Richard Paul Williams

It is with a full heart and deep sadness that we announce the death of Richard Paul Williams, a WWII Veteran, Master Mason, Industrial Engineer, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was blessed to walk this Earth for 100 years, touching hearts and shaping those around him, for which we are so very thankful. One-hundred years of life meant he had a special understanding of resilience, carried with him great wisdom, and built a multitude of cherished memories with each of us along the way. He passed peacefully at home on Sunday, August 23.

Born on October 16, 1925, in Newark, Ohio, Richard was the son of Joseph and Marydella Williams. Richard graduated from Newark High School in 1943, where he participated in the marching band and orchestra. After graduating, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific Theater in World War II as a part of the Amphibious Force in the assault on Okinawa, Japan, then later on the Landing Ship, Tank (LST 599) off of the China coast, completing his enlistment in October 1946 with the rating of Motor Machinist Mate 2nd Class.

In 1948, Richard married the love of his life, Dorothy Jane Kindinger, and they were happily married 63 years until her passing in 2011. The pair had two lovely daughters: Gretchen and Diane. Richard graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1949 and spent his career as a Registered Professional Engineer with 30 years of service in the Industrial Engineering Department of the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors.

For over 75 years, Richard was very active in the Masonic Fraternity, an organization rooted in moral self-improvement, charity, and brotherhood. During that time, he held just about every title there was, including Master Mason, Worshipful Master, and more. As a Knight Templar in Holy Grail Commandery, he was a recipient of the Knight Templar Cross of Honor.

Well-dressed every day of the week, Richard attended church on Sundays. He was an active member of Calvery Lutheran Church in Morro Bay, where he enjoyed listening to the piano and organ. Richard shared a century of love, strength, and stories with those around him. His presence commanded respect, his smile warmed you with love, and his advice was always delivered with sincerity. His 100-year life reminds us that aging is a privilege and an incredible work of art. Surviving Richard are his daughter Gretchen (Ken) Foran of Morro Bay; his grandchildren Eric (Jamie) Foran of New York, NY, and Heather (Evan) Barbis of Morro Bay, CA; and his four great-grandchildren, Sophia and Daphne Barbis of Morro Bay and Alex and Tyler Foran of New York. Diane preceded him in death in 2025.

There will be a celebration of life honoring Richard P. Williams on Saturday, September 12 at 11 a.m. at the Calvery Lutheran Church in Morro Bay.