Obituary of Richard A. Williams

Richard A. “Smokey” Williams, 91, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Allied Services Meade Street Skilled Nursing in Wilkes-Barre. He was born in Wilkes-Barre, the son of the late Richard and Clara Blecher Williams. Richard attended G.A.R. Memorial High School. Prior to his retirement, he was employed for many years as a wire rope technician at American Chain & Cable/Bridon American. Smokey loved working on cars and repairing anything that needed to be fixed. He was the definition of a “good samaritan.” He would drop everything to help someone in need, whether he knew you personally or not. His passing leaves a huge void in the hearts of his family. He and his wife loved long car rides together and their yearly trip to Maine for their anniversary. Family was the most important thing in his life. He often said one of the highlights of his life was his surprise 90th birthday party. He was in awe of all the loved ones, near and far, who showed up to celebrate with him. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Denise Godumski on March 19, 2019. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Eleanore Geiger, Marjorie Geiger, Shirley Anne Price, Janice Williams, and Frances Burney and by his brothers, William, David, James, Robert and Thomas Williams. Richard is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Viola Moore Williams and by his children, Grace Garlan and her husband, Jim, Wilkes-Barre; Bruce Williams, Wilkes-Barre; and Terri Coleman and her husband, Eric, Hanover Township; son-in-law, David Godumski, Warrior Run. He is also survived by his 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; sisters, Carol Mushinski and her husband, William, Sharon Burney, June Frew; brother, Fred Williams and by numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of Richard’s life will begin with a visitation for family and friends on Thursday evening from 6-8 pm and on Friday from 10-11am at the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, followed by a Service at 11am. Rev. Carol E. Coleman will officiate. Interment will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Hanover Township. The family would like to thank the clinical team at Geisinger Wyoming Valley and the staff at Allied Services Meade Street Skilled Nursing for the exceptional care they provided. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s memory to the “Transplant Foundation” Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 N. 3rd Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19123. Condolences may be sent by visiting Richard’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com..