Dr. Randy Williams
Dr. Randy Williams, 74, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 following complications from an illness. Per his wishes, a private graveside service was held at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Montgomery, where he was laid to rest with his parents.
“He speaks to our hearts in the silence of faith, and we speak to His heart in the silence of trust and adoration.”— Poor Clares, Belleville, IL.
It was with reluctant but confident hearts that we offered back to the Father, our father Randy. He was a student of history, a soldier of justice, a champion of underdogs and lost causes, a terrible joke-teller, a loyal friend, and a trusted physician. Randy lived every second of his life by his own rules and paved his own path with no regard for what was likely or possible, doing or saying what he saw as the right thing. He embodied a love of learning. He often shared fond memories of the bookmobile coming down the street in the 1950s, and how its arrival marked the highlight of his week. “It was better than Santa Clause,” he would say, for a boy growing up in a small town, and its precious cargo had a profound and lasting effect on his life. Randy continued to feed his love of learning through academics, travel, adventure, misadventure, family, and a career helping others. Everyone who knew him would agree that “Doc,” as he was known, possessed an uncommon intellect, along with a tenderheart and a tough hide. Medicine was a natural fit for his talents and abilities. He enjoyed taking care of people and being a rural doctor, and was committed to providing care to the least among us, the forgotten and the marginalized. He was always on call. Indeed, it was not uncommon for him to have patients show up at the house for treatment or to repay him through their own special talents—including fresh produce, baked goods, and even livestock. Such gifts were greatly enjoyed and, in Doc’s view, cast him among the richest of men. His compassionate care will be greatly missed.
During this season of gratitude, our family wishes to express a special heartfelt thank you to Jean and Ed Walker, angels in human form who provided steadfast love and companionship, and kept our father comfortable in his final years. We would also like to thank Doc’s many friends and supporters over the years, especially the Brister family, who cheered him on through discouraging seasons; the doctors and nurses who gave him amazing care; Matt Miller and Southern Funeral home for the thoughtful and professional manner in which they handled the services; and Judy Fogger and Mt. Zion UMC for their heartfelt guidance and generosity of spirit.
Memorials may be directed to St. Dominic Health Services Foundation, 969 Lakeland Drive, Jackson, Mississippi, (601) 200-6910. St. Dominic operates a Community Health Clinic spearheaded by Sister Mary Trinita Eddington, whom God called to administer compassion and health care in His name. Sister Trinita, a nurse practitioner, and many volunteer physicians see thousands of impoverished patients annually free of charge.