Williams, Richard Archie (Age 86) of La Plata, Maryland.

Richard Archie Williams was born on January 17, 1926, in Mc Conchie, Maryland to the late William and Julia Williams. He was the seventh of eleven children. He attended public schools in Charles County, Maryland.

In 1944 he joined the Army of the United States. He served in World War II as a Guard Patrolman and his tours of duty lead him to France and the Phillipines. After his last tour of duty, he received an Honorable Discharge. He received many decorations and citations: Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, and a World War II Victory Ribbon. While serving abroad, he was afforded the opportunity to play with the Harlem Globetrotters.

He was married to the lovely Alice La Verne Lee on May 29, 1949 and of this union thirteen children were born. He loved spending time at family gatherings. He enjoyed playing card games, eating crabs, and watching western shows, especially Gun Smoke. If you got in his way while he was watching television he had a unique saying to get you out of the way.

His family members and friends called him "Pop Pop". They would often call upon him for help. His gifted hands and vision lead him to become a skilled carpenter by trade and an expert painter. He was a dependable and self-motivated man. He is well known for his works, especially in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and throughout the eastern region. He was frequently sought out to build commercial buildings, bridges, and federal buildings as well as residential properties. Before the sun would rise or when it was bitter cold, he was ready to go to work. Job well done is what he would say after his sons finished their work.

He was a man of great strength and humility. He was stern, yet gentle when it was necessary. As a family man, Richard shared a special bond with each of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchild. He was admired as a father figure by many of his children's friends. He did not spare the rod when it was time to discipline his children.

He would often share about his childhood experiences and friends he met along the way. "In life" this is a phrase he would often use when he was ready to tell a tale. You knew once he started talking there was no way you could get away. His unique way will always be part of our lives.

He revered the time spent with all his children by attending their graduations, weddings, special performances, and sporting events. He would arrive before the basketball game started and had a special place where he sat in the gymnasium. He shared fond memories of war stories to all who gathered around to be enlighten about the past.

During his illness, he continued to show love for others and found strength in God and accepted his recommitment to Christ. He was often called the "Champion." Because he continued to fight each day that God gave him with the strength of a mighty solider in battle. He continued this fight until the day God reached out his hand and said, "Well done my good and faithful servant."

On February 6, 2012, Richard Archie Williams was called home to glory. He leaves to celebrate and continue his legacy, his twelve children, Gerlean Watson (Walback); Richard, Robert, Lenwood, Janice, Carlyn, Ginger, and Mary Williams, Lesia Hickerson (Rev. Ernest, Jr.), David, Tyrone (Yvette), and Trisha Williams. He had thirty five grandchildren, thirty one great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, two brothers, George, Virgil Williams (Sharon), brothers in-law, Russell, Earl and Donald Lee (Barbara), sisters in-law Gladys Underdown (Alfred) and Barbara Kilson. He had special nieces, Peggy Williams, Mary Curtis, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and devoted friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Alice La Verne Williams, his son James Marvin (Fats) Williams, grandsons, Derrick Williams and Kawan Williams, and granddaughter Lamika Marshall.

Viewing, 8:30am until Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00am on Friday, February 17, 2012 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 St. Mary's Avenue, La Plata, Maryland. Interment, Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, Maryland.

Arrangements by Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland.