Rickey C. Williams

Rickey Carl Williams was born August 14, 1958, in Headland, AL to two loving parents, King Williams, Jr. and Mary Ethel Morrison Williams. As the only child, Rickey was their pride and joy.

He received his K-12 education throughout the Henry County school system. He also broke racial barriers in his hometown by becoming the first black teenager to integrate the local grocery store, Piggly Wiggly, working as a grocery bagger and shopping assistant. He was a 1976 Headland High School graduate and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from historic Tuskegee University in 1981.

After college, Rickey moved to Naples, FL where he worked in the banking industry for nine years. While in Florida, Rickey was surrounded by several of his family members and lived with a very special Uncle, Neal Williams, who treated him like a son. He remained close with all his family, which inspired him to organize the first Williams Family Reunion which was held in Headland. Once Rickey moved back to Alabama, he continued his career, working at Montgomery Ward until he had to retire early due to significant back and neck injuries. Despite his health, Rickey became more active in his community, church, and family. Later in life, Rickey rejoined the workforce as a substitute teacher for eight years in the Houston County school system where he was affectionately known by the kids as “Mr. Rickey.”

His parents raised him in church. He dedicated his life to Christ at a young age and was baptized at his home church, Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, where he remained a faithful and active member throughout his life. Rickey served in several auxiliaries in the church including the deacon board, men’s choir, and Sunday School superintendent and teacher for several years. He was also the “self-appointed” church photographer… always armed with his camera and snapping pictures whether his subjects were ready or not. He would have his photographs printed and took great joy in giving them to the church members he had photographed ... many of whom had no idea he had even photographed them.

Rickey’s life truly became complete when he met the love of his life, Darlyne Sarayne Ramsey of Dothan, AL in 1986, and they were married on August 22, 1987. A beautiful love story followed by the birth of two wonderful children, Brandon and Brandi Williams. Rickey was such an active husband and father. Always present for football, softball, track, piano recitals, band practice, and church events. Regardless of the activity in which his children participated, he was right there with his camera capturing the moment. Rickey never missed an anniversary or birthday. He always showered his wife, who he affectionately called “Doll Baby,” with love. He made her feel special and bragged about how wonderful she was. After 37 years of love, marriage, and family, they are reunited together in heaven.

In addition to his father and loving wife, Rickey was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, King Williams, Sr. and Eliza Williams; maternal grandparents, Ellis Morrison and Rosie Lee Williams; aunt, Betty Jean Corbitt; and uncle, Jesse Lee Morrison. 

He leaves to cherish his memory, his mother and best friend, Mary Ethel Williams of Headland, AL; son, Brandon (Sha’) Williams of Smith Station, AL;  daughter, Brandi Williams of Atlanta, GA; an amazing grandson, Brandon Williams, Jr. (B.J.) (also known as “Jackrabbit” by his Papa) of Smith Station, AL; sister-in-law, Phyllis (Michael) Medley of Dothan, AL; nephews, Deondre (Raeven) Lowe of Atlanta, GA and Noah Medley of Dothan, AL; nieces Shalisa McNealy and India Starks both of Dothan, AL; a special aunt, Zora Walker of Naples, Florida and aunt Alice (Fred) McNealy of Dothan, AL; a very special cousin, Lamar Dan Kelley of Dothan, AL who selflessly assisted Rickey after his mobility declined; as well as a host of extended family, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

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