NEW MARKET, Va. — Richard Kent Williams Sr.,

age 79, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2021, at Sentera Medical Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Kent was born Friday, July 11, 1941, to N.K. Williams Jr. and Elizabeth K. Williams of Marshall, Ark., and preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by Lillian Marlene (White) Williams, his wife of 50 years; his son, Richard K. Williams, Jr., daughterin-law, Kathryn Williams, and grandchildren, Kent and Michael Williams of Parker, Texas. Kent is also survived by brother, Ronald Williams, wife Beth of Boulder, Colorado; his sister, Linda Dillahunty; and brother-in-law, David Dillahunty of Sugarland, Texas; as well as many cousins, nephews and nieces.

Kent was a devout Christian maintaining leadership roles as a Deacon, Elder, Trustee and Church Treasurer in the Edinburg Christian Church in Edinburg, Va. He was a loving husband, a kind and generous father and grandfather. He could always be found on a lake barefooting, slalom skiing, or just cruising the lake with his family and friends. In the 1960s he was part of the famed Kingsman Waterski Shows of Arkansas. He co-founded the Arkansas Waterski Club and a held a lifetime membership at the DeGray Lake Ski Club. He loved Arkansas Razorback football and watched them from wherever his adventures moved him across the country. He was a generous friend with a huge heart and you would want to have him on your side to lift you up out of any situation. Kent was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

A 2 p.m., graveside service will be held February 6, 2021, at Forest Hills Cemetery, 10201 Highway 5 N., Alexander, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to a Shenandoah County outreach that was very dear to Kent’s heart. A Small Hand C/O Edinburg Christian Church, 210 Center Street, Edinburg, Va., 22824. www.pinecrestfh.com