Richard Lewis Williamson, 65 of Waldorf, Maryland.

Profile of Life

Richard Williamson was born December 9, 1954 to the union of L.C Williamson and Eva Nell Burress in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at an early age while attending, Tabernacle Community Baptist Church. During his early years, he balanced his formal education and several jobs to support his family. After graduation, he continued working within the city of Milwaukee until he made the decision to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

In 1982 he began his illustrious Marine Corps career in Parris Island, NC. After serving as an Enlisted Soldier for 8 years, he successfully completed the Warrant Officer Basic Course. During this same time, on September 12, 1987, Richard married his wife Yvonda Brown. In the following year of their union, they gave birth to their first child, Richard Brian Williamson in November of 1988. Richard and Yvonda served as a dual career household as she worked as a Registered Nurse while Rich continued his service to his country. In 1995, they gave birth to their second and final child, Briana Nicole Williamson. Their love was united, and they embarked on the remainder of his 20-year career, moving to multiple states and countries.

In 1998, Richard joined Fort Foote Baptist Church. He served as an Usher, Altar Counselor, and Chairperson of the Marriage Ministry. Richard then answered and accepted his call into the ministry under the leadership of Dr. Joseph W. Lyles in 2016. Richard humbly served the Lord with gladness as a part of the Fort Foote family.

Despite serving his nation in the United States and abroad, he dedicated his personal time to advancing his education, and completed his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Strayer University. In 2002, Richard honorably retired from the United States Marine Corps, however, his dedication to service continued within the Department of Defense.

Richard was selected and served in a position at the Pentagon that provided direct support to the Secretary of Defense. Moreover, Richard continued to advance his education by completing his Master of Arts in Business in Organizational Security Management from Webster's University. His hard work and dedication to his family and service to mankind will forever be remembered.

In the words of Martin Luther King, the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. His life exemplified the true meaning of the man noted in 1 Corinthians 16: 13-14, "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." Richard was a man of few words but when he spoke, people listened to his words of wisdom. He was a God-fearing man, a Minister, a Marine. Richard was an excellent husband, father, brother, provider, and friend. Additionally, he was promoted to the role of "Pop Pop" for his first grandchild, Savannah Williamson, prior to his passing. He was someone who would give you his honest answer straight and upfront. He thoroughly enjoyed watching sports, most of all the Green Bay Packers.

On December 31, 2019 God in his infinite wisdom dispatched His Heavenly Angels to carry Richard Williamson home. He will truly be missed by all whom encountered his presence. He was preceded in death by his mother, Eva Nell Burress and stepfather, Willie B. Burress.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories, his loving wife of 32 years, Yvonda Williamson; his loving children, Brian Williamson, Briana Williamson, daughter-in-law, Olysha Williamson; his loving siblings, Robert Williamson, and Jeanette Williamson; his grandchild, Savannah Williamson; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Favorite Scripture:

Romans 12:1-2, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

May his rich legacy resound in all, who encountered his presence, - Knowing that his great teaching, unconditional love, and unwavering faith, Shall be forever in our hearts.