Obituary of Austin Richard Williams

Austin “Richard” Williams, 99, went home to be with the Lord on June 4, 2021 at home in Birmingham. He was a decorated WW2 veteran, serving with the United States Army, and died almost 77 years to the day he went ashore at Omaha Beach. He was assigned to the Military Police, engaging in espionage and counter espionage, and was awarded a Silver Star and two Bronze Stars. Post-war, he worked as a fraud investigator, and freelanced several times a year for the CIA and FBI. In the early sixties, he was one of the founding members of Briarwood Presbyterian Church, serving as Treasurer and as a Deacon. Until he retired, he and his wife, Mittie, ran a novelty company for many years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mittie Inez Bowman, and his youngest son, Kenneth David Williams. He is survived by his sons, Richard Donald Williams (Debra Joyce Sizemore) of Tampa, FL and Rev. Michael Rhodes Williams (Kim Ann Moffett) of Birmingham, AL; 14 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and by 1 great-great-grandchild. His favorite Scripture verse was John 6:35 “ Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.’” The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 11, 2021 at Usrey Funeral Home, Pell City, with the Rev. David Scholl officiating. Interment will follow at Bowman Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Brandon Williams, Heath Williams, Alex Williams, Michael Williams, Caleb Williams and Charlie Bowman. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Immanuel Counseling Ministries, Inc., P.O. Box 661154, Birmingham, AL 35266. Condolences may be offered online at usreyfuneralhome.com. Usrey Funeral Home, Pell City, is in charge of arrangements.