Richard Joe Williams, husband and loving father, recently passed away at the age of 73 at his home in University Place, WA.
Williams was born on June 6, 1945 in Huntingdon, TN, the eldest of seven children. From humble beginnings, Williams attended segregated schools and had daily chores that might include picking cotton or plowing fields with an old mule. Out of necessity, he emerged as the male leader of his home, and faithfully looked after his six brothers and sisters.
During a childhood filled with equal parts adventure and tribulation, Williams learned how to thrive, no matter the circumstance. Weeks after graduating from Webb High School in 1963, he joined the Air Force during the Vietnam War. During the war, he was assigned to Phan Rang Air Base, and served as an aircraft mechanic on the F-100 Super Sabre. Returning safely from the conflict, he was stationed at McChord Air Force Base near Lakewood, WA. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, Williams naturally transitioned to be a mechanic for the Boeing Company, even working on a prototype that eventually became the 747 Jumbo Jet.
Always loyal to justice and the rule of law, destiny brought Williams to the Tacoma Police Department (TPD). In 1969, racial tensions in Tacoma exploded, culminating in the Mother’s Day Disturbance, a night of mayhem in the Hilltop community. In the wake of this unfortunate event, political pressure caused TPD to recruit African-American candidates, including Williams. Only the 6th Black officer to be hired by TPD, Williams would go on to serve over 27 years on the force, retiring at the rank of captain in 1998.
Williams started his career as a patrolman, spending countless hours with his first patrol partner and lifelong friend, James A. Walker. During his career, he also served as a fraud detective, motorcycle unit sergeant, special investigations and internal affairs lieutenant, and division commander. Remarkably, Williams received two Medals of Valor. The first, in 1977, was given to him for pulling his patrol car in front of an assailant speeding towards a 4th of July crowd on the Tacoma waterfront. The fierce collision sent Williams into the back seat of his vehicle, nearly killing him. Twenty years later, for his second medal, Williams thwarted an attempted kidnapping and armed robbery of one of his neighbors, an incident in which he fired upon and wounded the two perpetrators.
Naturally intelligent and eternally inquisitive, Williams pursued multiple academic degrees while on TPD. He received an associate degree from Tacoma Community College, and bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Puget Sound (UPS). Soon thereafter, Williams also earned his law degree from UPS in 1981, taking classes at night. Being a licensed attorney gave Williams the perfect activity to stimulate his mind during retirement. From 1998 to 2016, he operated a solo legal practice of both criminal defense and personal injury cases. Always able to deftly argue either side of an issue, Williams now found himself defending the due process of citizens who had interactions with law enforcement. Walking from his law office at 10th and I street down to the courthouse, he could regularly be seen conversing jovially with members of the defense bar and law enforcement community alike.
In November 2016, Williams became seriously ill, requiring brain surgery. Continually resolute, even in his journey to the after-life, he embodied the essence of bravery and courage. The same inner strength that propelled him from his humble beginnings in the segregated South to achieve greatness as a husband, father, and member of the local community, similarly pushed him to bravely fight the condition that ultimately took his life. His tremendous fortitude permitted him to meet his first grandson, Austin, born in October 2017. Holding true to her vow to love Williams in sickness and in health, his devoted wife, Theresa, affectionately cared for him at home until his final breath.
First and foremost, Williams will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, and infectious laugh. While he was often admired for his sharp intellect and graceful eloquence, he was also exceedingly humble and patient for someone who God blessed with so many gifts. Selfless and loyal, Williams never hesitated to help those in need, whether it involved generously sharing his resources, or offering sage advice and counsel. As a husband and father, he was extraordinarily loving and compassionate, possessing the perfect balance of strength and kindness. Williams touched many lives, and will be deeply missed.
Williams is survived by his wife, Theresa; mother, Myrtle E. Holmes; three sisters, Helen M. Adams, Martha R. Oglesby, Myra F. Hampton; two brothers, Keith A. Williams, Ronald W. Williams; son, Evan C. Williams; daughter, Roshawne D. Williams (mother, Carol Miles); and grandson, Austin R. Williams.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations or memorials be submitted to the Williams account, TAPCO Credit Union # 3195960. A memorial service will be held April 13, 2019, 5:00 pm at Edwards Memorial, 11020 S. Tacoma Way, Lakewood.
