Richard Williams
Pool’s of tears in passing years have marked the way,
Beyond them all God’s heard each call
And given strength with each new day.
Dr. Richard Lee Williams, well-loved pastor of Meramec Valley Baptist Church for 28 years and Bourbon resident, peacefully passed September 2, 2020, amidst his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Richard was born in Lecoma, MO on January 20, 1940 to Roger and Jessica Williams (Nee Scott). He married Almeta Jones on January 23, 1958. To this union were born three children. Their lives were later enriched with 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
In 1980, Richard graduated with a BA in Pastoral Administration from Tri-State Baptist College and was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Tri-State Baptist College in 1988. He pastored at First Baptist Church of Eastbay in Riverview, FL from 1981-1991 and Meramec Valley Baptist Church in St. Cloud, MO from 1991-present. His hobbies were building, gardening, and reading, especially World War II material because it hearkened to the war his father fought in.
Richard is survived by his wife, Almeta, his 3 children and their spouses, Kelly Jo and husband, Steve Peters of Bourbon, MO; Richard Erik Williams and wife, Michelle, of Bourbon, MO; and Amy Linette and husband, George Jainchill of Columbia, MO. Richard is also survived by 10 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.
His many friends and family remember and miss him for his good humor, big heart, and enduring loyalty and love for his Lord Jesus Christ whom he now stands with. Before he passed, Richard said, “I want to be right with God, I want to be right with my wife, I want to be right with my family, I want to be right with my church, and I want all of them to be right with each other. And for that to happen, they have to all be right with God.”
Funeral Services were held 6:30 p.m., Friday, September 4, 2020 at Meramec Valley Baptist Church in Bourbon, with Pastors Erik Williams and George Jainchill officiating.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Friday, prior to the Funeral Service at Meramec Valley Church.
Interment was held at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, September 5, 2020 in Matlock Cemetery in St. James.
Memorial contributions in Pastor Williams name may be made to the Outreach Fund of Meramec Valley Baptist Church.
Friends may send online condolences to Pastor Williams family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.