Richard John Williams

Born January 13, 1935, in Saint Louis, Missouri, to Cecilia Ann and Matthew John Williams, Dick was raised in Dallas, Texas, and went on to make Austin his home for the last 50 years. He began his collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma, where he played both basketball and baseball, before graduating from The University of Texas at Austin and Southern Methodist University School of Law. These experiences laid the foundation for a distinguished career as an investment advisor.

Dick was much more than his profession. He was a man of remarkable intelligence, quick wit, and a sense of humor that lit up every room he entered. Larger than life in presence and personality, he had a way of drawing people in — whether through a story, a sharp observation, or a perfectly timed joke. He poured his energy into his family, coaching his children’s sports teams, mentoring friends and strangers alike, and forever cheering on his beloved Texas Longhorns.

A longtime member of The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Dick served as a lector and usher and was proud to be part of the “Good Old Boys” cooking team. He was also a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Austin, where he was instrumental in launching Camp Enterprise, a program that introduced high school juniors to entrepreneurship by challenging them to design a business and form a company with guidance from local business leaders. Highly influential, appreciated, loved, and respected, Dick built lifelong friendships that enriched every stage of his life.

He is survived by his children: Sue Calloway Ewan and husband Sam of Fayetteville, AR; Shelley Calloway Coxe and husband Cullen of Dallas; Matthew John Williams and wife Elizabeth of Dallas; Virginia Williams Dowdy and husband Edward of Amarillo; and Catherine Williams Steward and husband William of Austin. He is also survived by his niece, Suzy Baldwin Collins and husband David of Dallas. He deeply loved his grandchildren — Turner Cullen Coxe, Ryan Brinton Coxe, John Richard Williams, Matilda Virginia Williams, Luke Preston Williams, Catherine Ann Dowdy, Andrew Wommack Dowdy, Ford Butler Dowdy, Cecilia Martha Steward, and Amelia Campbell Steward — and they loved him immensely in return. He is also survived by his great-grandchild, Campbell Turner Coxe, son of Turner and Lauren Coxe.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Cecilia Ann and Matthew John Williams; his sister, Patricia Ann Murphy; his daughter, Patricia Calloway; and his granddaughter, Cecilia Martha Steward.

Dick leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and wisdom — a life well-lived, full of stories worth retelling. His memory will continue to inspire, encourage, and bring a smile to those fortunate enough to have known him.

A private family service will be held at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin, Texas.

To honor Dick’s life, memorial contributions may be made to the Cile Steward Foundation Fund at the Austin Community Foundation, 4315 Guadalupe Street, Suite 300, Austin, TX 78751, or the Suburban Alcoholics Foundation, 2809 Northland Drive, Austin, TX 78751.