orlwilliams

The Enterprise, White Salmon, WA., January @30, 2008, page __

RICHARD WILLIAMS

     Richard Lee Williams, 73, died on Jan. 20, 2008, at his home in Glenwood.
     He was born on Aug. 6, 1934, in Scotts Bluff, Neb., to Walter Elwood and Ruby Walker Williams. The family moved to Glenwood in the 1940s.
     Mr. Williams is survived by his wife of 52 years, Tillie; three sons Richard Scott, Brian Lee and Lonne Joseph; brother Judd Williams, Brier; niece Lydia; five grandchildren (Trish, Tyrone, Crystal, Stacie and Zachariah) and four great-grandchildren; and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Colonel Luther and Lucy Walker, BZ Corners, his parents, and sister Betty Woodmansee.
     Mr. Williams attended school in Glenwood. He enlisted in a military career that started as a boatswain mate running an assault boat in Korea, as a first class deep sea diver and scuba diver. He became qualified and served as an independent duty medical technician, allowing him to practice medicine independent of a doctor. He served aboard several ships.
     He was personally chosen and asked to be one of the original Navy SEALS, authorized by President Kennedy. He was a radiation/nuclear exposure adviser and sole monitor of the targets in the Christmas Island nuclear tests.
     He received the Presidential Unit Citation from President Johnson, the Secretary of Navy Commendation medal with combat "V" for valor, and medals in expert pistol and rifle. He spent multiple tours in Viet Nam.
     Mr. Williams retired after 20 years in the US Navy as a chief petty officer, wearing gold stripes for good conduct. He attended San Diego City College Police Academy and returned to Washington state, where he joined the Klickitat County Sheriff's Office. He was promoted to sergeant after six months. He was then elected as county sheriff, serving 12 years. He worked as chief of police in Washougal for six years and also worked several other police related jobs including Back County Sheriff Patrol. He finally retired from law enforcement after 32 years of service.
     Mr. Williams was a knowledgeable and experienced hunter and was well versed in many fields. He was a great lover of animals, especially dogs and had many in his lifetime.
     Mr. Williams touched many lives in many ways and is greatly missed by family and friends.
     A memorial service for Mr. Williams will be held Feb. 9, 2008, at 11 a.m. at the Glenwood School. He will be interred at the Glenwood Cemetery.