Jeffrey Ray Williams

Jeffrey Ray Williams, 57, of Dublin, Ohio, passed away on November 5, 2026, following a courageous battle with colorectal cancer. A devoted husband, father, son, brother, friend, and retired FBI special agent, Jeff lived a remarkable life defined by integrity, determination, humor, and a commitment to helping others.

Jeff was born on January 31, 1969, in Columbus, Ohio, to John and Mary Jo Williams. He grew up in Hilliard, Ohio, with his triplet siblings, Jay and Jennifer, and younger sister, Julie. He excelled in academics and athletics, becoming a four-year letterman in both football and track at Hilliard High School before graduating in 1987. He continued his education and football career at Ohio Northern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1991.

Jeff began his career at Grant Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, before becoming a forensic scientist with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation in 1993. During this time, he earned numerous awards and a Master of Business Administration from Tiffin University before joining the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1999. He began his distinguished 23-year FBI career in Maryland before returning to Ohio in 2006 to lead the FBI’s Columbus-based public corruption squad. His investigative work was featured in the 2025 HBO documentary Dark Money Game. Jeff retired from the FBI in October 2022, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional service and an unwavering commitment to justice.

In 2021, Jeff married Laura Rittner and together they built a loving blended family with Jeff’s two children, Meredith and Andrew, and Laura’s three sons, Andrew, Barrett, and Graham. Jeff and Laura shared a love of travel and adventure. Together, they embraced life’s opportunities and cherished time with family and friends, making wonderful memories.

Jeff was a proud and devoted father who enjoyed coaching his children’s sports teams for over two decades. His unyielding positivity was one of his most defining qualities, and he had a special ability to find the good in every situation. His familiar saying, “There’s not a cloud in the sky,” perfectly captured his outlook on life. Even in the face of life’s greatest challenges, Jeff chose to focus on the sunshine, a perspective that inspired everyone around him.

While Jeff approached his professional responsibilities with seriousness and discretion, those who knew him personally will remember his quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, and gift for storytelling. He had an incredible memory for details, often entertaining friends with stories from his career and travels. Jeff had a way of connecting with people and bringing laughter and joy to those around him.

In 2019, Jeff was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer following his first routine screening colonoscopy. Given an initial prognosis of just six to nine months, Jeff went on to defy the odds for more than seven years. Throughout multiple surgeries, clinical trials, and more than 130 rounds of treatment, he faced every challenge with extraordinary strength and determination.

Rather than allowing cancer to define his life, Jeff continued to travel, celebrate, laugh, and make the most of every day with Laura and their family. His optimism was infectious. Even during the most difficult times, when asked how he was doing, Jeff’s response was often an enthusiastic “Fantastic!” His spirit touched everyone around him, including the many doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals who cared for him throughout his journey.

In 2023, Jeff and Laura founded Brighter Blue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about colorectal cancer, promoting screening and early detection, and providing support to patients and their families. Jeff was passionate about encouraging others to get screened for colorectal cancer, knowing firsthand that early detection can save lives. Through Brighter Blue, his efforts to help others will continue to make a difference for years to come.

Jeff is survived by his beloved wife, Laura; his children, Andrew and Meredith Williams; his stepsons, Andrew, Barrett, and Graham Rittner; his mother, Mary Jo Williams; his father and stepmother, John and Joanne Williams; and his siblings, Jay (Jenni) Williams, Jennifer (Rick) Shugert, and Julie Smith.

He is also survived by the mother of his children, Gretchen Williams; his parents-in-law, Lucy and Randy Raine; his sister-in-law, Emily (Takeshi) Koyagi; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Jeff Smith.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of Jeff’s life at 6:00 p.m., at Schoedinger Dublin, 5980 Perimeter Dr., Dublin, Ohio 43017.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Brighter Blue.

https://www.brighterblue4u.org/