Richard L. Williams, Sr. passed away August 1, 2014 at the age of 66. Richard is survived by his wife of 47 years, Carol Ann; his daughter, Melissa Shealy "Missy" (Jody Shealy); his two sons, Richard L. Williams, Jr. "Rich" (Susanne Williams) and Christopher L. Williams "Chris" (Ellie Schilling); his brother, the Honorable H. Bruce Williams (Sharon Williams); and his seven grandchildren, Sara Margaret Williams, Lindsay Shealy, Madeline Williams, Brandon Shealy, Richard L. Williams, III "Tripp", Collin Shealy, and Mary Claire Williams; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, extended family and his dog and companion, Sperry. The family would like to thank Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina, Lighthouse Hospice and Ahava Hospice for their care and devotion to our father. Richard was born August 27, 1947, in Columbia, South Carolina to Lanier Williams and Edna Harris. He graduated from Columbia High School in 1965 and from the University of South Carolina in 1971. On September 29, 1967, he married the love of his life, Carol Ann Wright. Richard worked for the State Board for Technical & Comprehensive Education for many years and also was a real estate agent for Re/Max. Richard wore many hats during his life: husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, leader, mentor, and coach. He loved spending time with his family, coaching basketball and baseball, and cheering for the South Carolina Gamecocks. During the 41 years he coached in the Royal Ambassador Basketball League, Richard served as a role model to all and touched the lives of countless young men. He loved competition, but never lost sight of what was important. Richard always was there for his family and friends. His was truly a life well lived. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Temples-Halloran Funeral Home, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212 on Tuesday, August 5th. Funeral services for Richard will be St. Andrews Baptist Church, 230 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210 on Wednesday, August 6th at 11:00 a.m. Richard will be laid to rest at the Bush River Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Friends of McCall, PO Box 2966, Easley, SC 29641 or St. Andrews Baptist Church, 230 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210. Published in The State on Aug. 4, 2014