Jesse Frank Williams III

1942 - 2025

Jesse Frank Williams, III

October 4, 1942 - July 6, 2025

Jesse Frank Williams, III, 82, loving husband, father and friend, passed to his spiritual home on July 6, 2025. Jeff, as he was known, was born in Clarksburg, W. Va., on October 4, 1942, to Marguerite Singleton Williams and Jesse Frank Williams, Jr. A proud mountain boy, he fondly recalled memories from his childhood, including time at his home on Spring Avenue, summer idyls at Camp Minnehaha, legendary soapbox car races, shenanigans at Oral Lake, fine dining at the Wonder Bar and countless pepperoni rolls from Tomaro's Bakery.

After graduating Washington Irving High School, Jeff received a bachelor's degree from Washington and Lee University in 1965. Shortly after, Jeff followed his older sister, Patricia (Patty), and her husband, Edward, to Richmond, where they famously let him sleep on their couch until he found a job. It was around this time he met his first wife, Ellen Stuart Gordon, with whom he shared many years and three children, Anna, Jesse, and Kathryn, who brought him great joy and pride.

Jeff started his professional life in printing sales but soon discovered a talent and genuine passion for commercial real estate. He thrived on risk and reward. Jeff would spend almost 45 years at Harrison & Bates as a broker, developer, president and chairman of the board. He held a deep respect for the history of Richmond, and changes in its landscape inspired a number of real estate "visions," including the redevelopment of parts of Parham Road, Broad Street and Arthur Ashe Boulevard. He served as President of the Richmond Board of Realtors and on many other community boards and associations.

In 2002, Jeff met his cherished wife Barbara through mutual friends. They shared 23 years and many adventures together, including time in the Lexington and Brownsburg communities. Barbara remained a faithful and loving companion through his battle with Alzheimer's and was there, with his children, as he went home to God.

Jeff attended St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Goochland, as well as St. Andrew's Church on Oregon Hill. He was a longtime member of the Country Club of Virginia, where he proudly helped with the 1992 renovation of the James River Golf Course.

Relationships were everything to Jeff, and he had profound gratitude for those who supported him throughout his life, including countless friends and business associates, mentors, multiple golf groups, a men's fellowship circle and his adoptive "little brothers," Tony St. John and Tom Sharpley.

Jeff loved, in no particular order: M&Ms; reminiscing; golf; delivering long, inspirational speeches to his children and anyone who would listen; playing pool; driving around the city, especially if he could give a tour; Bill's Barbecue; his cats; watching U of R basketball; the Beach Boys; floating on a raft in his daughter's pool; and traveling.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters, Anna Adams (Mason) and Kathryn Renna (Greg); son, Jesse (Emilie); four grandchildren, Novie, Hugo, Teddy, and Darvey; nieces, Patricia Sharpley and Elizabeth Twohy; as well as dear extended family in Virginia and West Virginia.

"Keep smiling," Jeff was known to tell his children over the phone. Remembering his gentle kindness, good-natured humor and earnest optimism, we will, in his honor.

A service to celebrate Jeff's life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 12291 River Road, with a reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Westminster Canterbury Richmond Employee Celebration Fund, the Alzheimer's Association, or Big Brothers Big Sisters.