Richard P. Williams Jr. passed away on August 19, 2026, at the age of 77, leaving behind a family who loved him, countless stories, more than a few projects that were probably still “almost finished,” and a lifetime of memories.
Born on October 11, 1948, Richard was the beloved son of the late Richard and Beatrice (Smith) Williams.
Richard served in the United States Army as a Power Generation Equipment Repairer and Engineer, which was fitting for a man who would spend much of his life happiest when he was figuring out how something worked, why it wasn’t working, or how he could make it work better.
After his military service, Richard began a long career on the railroad, working as a Conductor for Conrail and Norfolk Southern from 1972 until his retirement in 2004. He also proudly served as Chair of Local 454. After more than three decades on the railroad, it is safe to say Richard knew a thing or two about keeping things moving.
Richard had no shortage of interests. He loved golf, music, motorcycles, collecting cars, and he knew something about everything. He was a devoted Jeopardy! watcher and could rarely resist a crossword puzzle if one was within reach. He appreciated a good car, a good song, a challenging clue, and, perhaps most of all, a good round of golf.
Above all, Richard’s life was filled with family.
He is survived by his wife, Tamara Bea Williams; his son, George Oakes, and his wife, Robin, and grandson Tyler; his daughter, Dixie Lee Storm; his daughter, Frances Dumin, and her husband, Mark, and grandchildren Tanner, Shelby, and Mallory; his daughter, Tabatha Phipps, and her husband, Clint, and grandchildren Kensley, Owen, and Adalyn; and his youngest daughter, Ashley Knight.
He will be deeply missed - especially by a very spoiled little dog named Gigi.
A Memorial Gathering will be held at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at MMP, Inc., 7250 Washington Blvd, Elkridge, MD 21075 on August 28, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with Military Honors at the same location on August 28, 2026, at 1:30 pm.
