Richard Williams Memorial

In loving memory of Richard Wesley Williams (known to many as Dick Williams) formerly of Westridge Drive and recently residing in Kettering, peacefully passed away at the age of 98 ½ on January 11 at home with his long-time companion, Jean Kras.

He was born April 29, 1917 in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Wallace Johnson Williams and Ada Marie Wolaver.

A longtime resident of Troy, he lived many places during his lifetime: Oklahoma, California, Oregon and Kansas where he graduated from Arkansas City High School. After graduation he moved to Celina and Greenville, Ohio before moving to Troy in 1940. Once he moved to Troy, he said he never wanted to leave.

In 1939 he married Dorothy Louise Estry of Celina, who preceded him in death in 1995.

Growing up during the Great Depression, he developed a strong work ethic. He worked as meat manager for Kroger in Greenville and Troy. In 1944, he established Williams Market " On the Square — in Location and Reputation " and sold the business in December 1962. In January 1963 he joined the engineering staff in product development at Hobart Manufacturing Company, later becoming Supervisor of Food Services. He retired October 1, 1982. He always said that he enjoyed going to work every day and took great pride in serving the Troy community.

He is survived by two children, Terry Williams Kessler (Bill) of Corning, NY and John Richard Williams (Jay) of NY, NY; two granddaughters, Erica W. Kessler (Michael Mankowski) of Portland, OR and Kerrigan T. Kessler (Jon Jernquist) of Brooklyn, NY; four great grandchildren; one brother, James H. Williams of Medina, OH. Preceded in death by two sisters, Virginia M. Williams and Eleanor G. Williams and one brother, John D. Williams.

Before establishing Williams Market, he was Scoutmaster of Troop 82 at Troy Methodist Church and later became a member of Young Men ' s Business Club, Loyal Order of Moose, Jaycees, Elks, The Optimist Club and Troy Methodist Church.

He will be remembered by all who knew him as a man of great motivation, with an optimistic attitude and sunny outlook who enjoyed exercise, gardening and seeing many friends on his daily walks in Troy. He kept his sense of humor and always tried to make those around him feel good.

He will be buried beside his late wife Dorothy at Riverside Cemetery in Troy.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Baird Funeral Home on April 30, 2016 at 2:00 PM, casual dress.

The family would appreciate memorial donations be given in his name to Fish, Inc., PO Box 764, Troy, OH 45373 or Heartland Hospice, 580 Lincoln Park Blvd, Suite 320, Kettering, OH 45429