Ricky L. Williams

Ricky L. Williams, age 74, of Clinton, MD, passed away in his sleep on Sunday, June 9, 2024. Ricky was born in Winston-Salem, NC, on November 16, 1949, to Edna Myrtle Williams. He was the devoted husband, of 50 years, to Constance Brown Williams.

An Army veteran, Ricky dutifully served during the Vietnam era. After completing his service to our country, he graduated from Sacred Heart University, majoring in sociology. Through his study of societies, he developed a deep pride in his African heritage and culture. In his spare time, he performed as a pan-African drummer at the Ralphola Taylor Community Center in Bridgeport, CT.  While working as director of a youth residential program, he completed graduate coursework and obtained his teaching certificate. For over 30 years, Ricky provided mentoring, tutoring and counseling to children and teens as an esteemed special education teacher in the Washington, DC public school system. His commitment to education was recognized with the Superintendent's Award at Bunker Hill Elementary School.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ricky was a man of many talents and interests. Skilled in taekwondo and tang soo do, he won numerous medals and trophies in local competitions. He was an avid chess player, challenging competitors from all around the world. He enjoyed sharing his culinary creations with friends and family, including participating in the National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s Gourmet Chefs of Distinction fundraiser. Recently, Ricky found joy in listening to political commentary podcasts and watching Aerial America. He was also a sports enthusiast, cheering passionately for his favorite teams and passing on his love for the game to his children and grandchildren.

Throughout his life, Ricky was known for his kindness, perseverance and commitment to education. He had a passion for mentoring youth and was admired for his wisdom and humor. He was a volunteer coach for the chess club, and tennis and soccer teams after school. He positively influenced the trajectory of the lives of countless young people, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. As a cancer survivor, he understood the importance of relying on faith. While in the hospital his sense of humor endeared him to all who met him. He valued being a member of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden and having fellowship with like-minded men. However, his greatest joy was being among family, including his three grandkids who he deeply adored.

In addition to his wife, Constance, he is survived by his loving children and their families, Melika (Kenan), Jimika, and Maia (Joel).  He also leaves behind his beloved aunt Freddie Adams, sister Victoria Williams as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Shirley A. Williams, and granddaughter, Ariana. Ricky's memory will forever be cherished by his family, friends, colleagues, and students whose lives he touched with his wisdom, compassion, and humor.

Friends and family may visit at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home at 39 South Benson Rd., Fairfield, CT on Monday, July 15, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. A memorial service to honor Ricky’s life will be held, in the funeral home, at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 16. Burial with military honors will follow in Lakeview Cemetery, Bridgeport, CT.  Flowers being received by the Spear-Miller Funeral Home.

Ricky L. Williams will be deeply missed, but never forgotten, as his legacy of love, dedication, and service lives on in the hearts of all who knew him. Be free, Ricky.