Rock Hill, South Carolina – Mr. Richard (Rici) Cornell Williams, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday May 4, 2025 at Piedmont Medical Center.
The son of Mr. Thomas Leslie and Margaret Ann (Peggy) Williams born on May 11, 1937 in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Rici attended Winthrop Training School where he met his loving wife, Barbara Wrenn. They began dating in college and were married on April 13, 1957. Rici completed his schooling at the University of South Carolina, graduating in 1961.
Rici and Barbara spent 68 years together raising four wonderful children: Margaret (Marti) Ruth Williams of Myrtle Beach, Debra (Gidget) Williams Sharpe (Tim) of Rock Hill, Richard Cornell Williams of Myrtle Beach, and Barbara Williams Crawford (Chris) of Lowry’s. Rici and Barbara enjoyed living on Signal Mountain, Tennessee and on Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina; later returning to reside in Rock Hill in 1990. Rici worked over 40 years in the medical sales industry traveling throughout the Southeast. Rici’s Catholic faith was deepened by attending St. Anne’s Catholic Church, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and the Oratory.
Rici was a loving brother, born third out of eight Williams’ children (Pookie, Robbie, Rici, Chici, JoJo, Priss, Joanie and Annie), husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He enjoyed sailing, playing tennis, traveling, gardening and was a steadfast Gamecock fan. Rici was a joy to be around with a great sense of humor and well known for his kindness and generous spirit. He will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him.
Rici is survived by his wife of 68 years, Barbara Wrenn; his four children, sisters (Mary Margaret, Joanie, Annie), his brother, Chici; eight grandchildren, Brian Williams, Meghan Keogh, Garrett Keogh, Tindal McLaurin-Yard (Lee), Allison Lints (Blaine), Alexandria Williams-Gough (Ethan), Madison Ayers and Shaheim Larson; six great grandchildren and twenty-four nieces and nephews.
Rici is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Peggy Williams, his brothers Pookie, Robbie and JoJo; and two nephews, Tommy Williams and Joe Joe Williams.
The family will hold a Mass on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 5P.M. at the Oratory, 434 Charlotte Ave, Rock Hill, SC 29730. Family will then receive and welcome friends after the Mass, at the Sharpe’s residence, 1236 Sawgrass Dr. Rock Hill, SC 29732. Friends and family may come to share memories and pay their respects.
Condolences may be made to the Williams family at www.greenefuneralhome.net