Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

May 13, 2025

 CHARLOTTE - Richard “Rick” Anthony Williams, Jr., 66, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025, at his home, surrounded by family.

Rick was born on May 16^th, 1958, to Richard Anthony Williams and Barbara (Bobbi) W. Crawford, and spent his early years in New Haven, Connecticut. Although his family lived in Kailua, Hawaii, for only two years from 1966 to 1968, those formative years left a lasting imprint. He fondly remembered attending school barefoot, watching his father play rugby, climbing coconut trees, and body surfing the waves of Oahu. The spirit of those carefree island days remained with him for the rest of his life.

The family next moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where Rick graduated from Myers Park High School in 1977 and later went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business from Queens University.

Rick spent most of his career in the mortgage industry, where he built a reputation for dedication, integrity, and personalized service. He especially cherished the time he spent working alongside his mother, Bobbi, with whom he co-owned a mortgage company.

Throughout his life, Rick cultivated a rich array of interests and experiences. He was a proud Green Bay Packers fan and team owner, an avid golfer, a certified scuba diver, and a passionate traveler. His deep love of music was lifelong and wide-ranging—from The Beatles and Fleetwood Mac to The Rolling Stones and The Eagles. Some of his happiest moments were spent at concerts and football games with his wife and daughters, cheering on the Packers, sharing the joy of live music, and creating memories together. Above all, Rick treasured his time with family and loved ones. His warmth, humor, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Rick is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 32 years, Jane Woodbury Johnson Williams, and daughters, Chauncey Louise Williams and Ann Hudson Williams, of Charlotte, NC. He is survived by his mother, Barbara (Bobbi) W. Crawford; his father, Richard (Dick) Anthony Williams, and stepmother, Elizabeth (Liz) Williams. He is also survived by his sister, Kimberly (Kim) W. Horton (Dave Smith) of Lake Oswego, OR; his brother, Kenneth (Ken) S. Williams (Beverly) of Hampstead, NC; half-siblings, Rhys Williams and Brittany Williams; and ten nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his adored stepfather, William (Bill) Newbold Crawford. Rick was loved by many and will be dearly missed by his family, countless lifelong friends, and his beloved cat, Charlie.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the medical team at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute for their compassionate care, especially Dr. Seungjean Chai; Teresa Carpenter, NP; and Lori Vaught, NP.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Williams family home on Friday, May 16, from 5 to 7pm in Charlotte, NC. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 18, at 1pm, at Lebanon Chapel, 814 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rick’s memory may be made to the Atrium Health Foundation, – designated to Carolinas GI Fund.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.