Richard Larry Williams

1942 - 2021

WILLIAMS, Richard Larry, peacefully passed away at his home on Friday, August 27, 2021, after an extended illness. He is survived by his three children, Blair Williams-Ward, Richard Samuel Williams (Shannon) and Nicholas Walter Williams (Laura); and three granddaughters, Addison Anne Williams, Riley Ann Ward and Eleanor Jean Ann Williams, all of Richmond. He is also survived by a sister, Linda Williams Ransom; and Bettie G Williams, the mother of his children, both of Richmond; and by his partner, Delight Swann Booker. Larry was a lifelong resident of western Henrico County. Born at Retreat Hospital on October 29, 1942 to Thelma and Sam Williams, he attended Ridge Elementary School. In the sixth grade, he moved across Three Chopt Road to the newly built Douglas Southall Freeman High School where he was a Rebel for seven years. Larry attended both Ferrum Junior College and the University of Richmond on a football scholarship and graduated from VCU. He spent most of his working life as a pharmaceutical representative, first for Perdue Pharma then with Wyeth, LLC which later merged with Pfizer. He loved calling on doctors' offices and talking with the staff, where he made many lasting professional and personal friendships. Because of his big personality and belief in helping doctors and patients, he won numerous sales awards. During the holidays, "Big Larry" played Santa at many medical offices. Larry loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and spent as much time as he could at his hunt club in Prince Edward County at Gwynns Island and later at "The Creek House." He relished sharing his catches with friends by hosting huge outdoor fish fries. Larry was also a big history buff, particularly the Civil War in Virginia and World War II. He liked taking his children to reenactments, but during his later years, the History Channel was his constant companion. People and relationships were always at the heart of everything he did. He cherished his family and friends and even though he has not been active for the past few years, he was always interested in what was "going on." Bedridden for several years, Larry entered Bon Secours Hospice in the spring and was lovingly attended by the staff until his death. A memorial service for Larry with a reception following will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 9, in the sanctuary of Second Baptist Church, 9614 River Road, Richmond, Va. 23229. Masks and distancing are strongly recommended. Memorial gifts can be made to Bon Secours Community Hospice House online at bsvaf.org/supporthospice or mailed to: Bon Secours Richmond Health Care Foundation, 5008 Monument Ave., 2nd Floor, Richmond, Virginia 23230.