Andrew "Frank" Williams,

Hephzibah, GA - Andrew Franklin "Frank" Williams, Sr., 85, born May 25, 1935, in Augusta, Georgia passed away on February 10, 2021, after an extended illness. Frank was the eighth of nine children born to Leroy and Lena Williams. He lived his entire life in Hephzibah, Georgia. Mr. Williams was a devoted husband, loving father, and Christian. He devoted his life to helping his family, friends, and his fellow man. He enjoyed farming and raising cows. He was a member of the Hephzibah Hen Peck Club, Hephzibah Agricultural Club, Lions Club, and served as a Mason in the Richmond 412 Masonic Lodge. Mr. Williams worked as a pipefitter and welder, and was a member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 150 for seventy years, of which he served as the financial secretary/treasurer and business agent for fifteen years. He organized union contractors, both local and national, throughout the United States, upgrading members' salaries, health insurance, and retirement incomes. Mr. Williams was recognized by the Georgia Senate and House of Representatives for the vital role that he played in leadership and his deep personal commitment to the welfare of the citizens of Georgia. He diligently and conscientiously devoted innumerable hours of his time, talents, and energy toward the betterment of his community and state as evidenced dramatically by his 45 years of superlative service with the City of Hephzibah Commission. Mr. Williams' significant organizational and leadership talents, his remarkable patience and diplomacy, his keen sense of vision, and his sensitivity to the needs of the citizens of this state earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and associates. He was a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness. Mr. Williams served with honor and distinction with the City of Hephzibah Commission, was the longest consecutive elected official in the State of Georgia, and his vision and unyielding commitment set the standard for public service. Mr. Williams was recognized as an Outstanding Georgia Citizen by the Georgia Secretary of State, on May 22, 2012. Mr. Williams was honored by Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver for his extraordinary leadership, dedication, support, and abundant service to the citizens of Hephzibah, resulting in August 6, 2012 being proclaimed as Commissioner Andrew Franklin Williams, Sr. Day. A portion of Georgia Highway 88 within the City of Hephzibah in Richmond County is dedicated as the A. Frank Williams Highway. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Mary Ellen Williams, George Williams, Elizabeth Williams, Kathleen Williams Clark, Margaret Williams Turner, Jeff Williams, and two infant siblings. He is survived by his wife of 66 ½ years, Margaret Hendrix Williams and his children, Darlene Williams DeLaigle (Danny), Andrew Franklin Williams, Jr., Lisa Williams Byrd (Jimmy), Kathy Williams Smith (Darren), and Paul Brett Williams, Sr. (Shelly). Grandchildren surviving are Laurie DeLaigle Felix (Tony), Amanda Williams Collins (John), Leigh DeLaigle Blackburn (Ben), Amy Williams Cook (Derek), Andrew Franklin Williams, III (Maggie), John Creech (Maja), Brittany Byrd, Brooke Byrd, Ashlyn Williams (Jacob), Kayla Creech, Paul "Brett" Williams, Jr., Nick Smith (Kaitlyn), Scott Smith (Roxanne), Jesup Gaskins, and a host of nieces and nephews. Great grandchildren are Abby Dixon, Kensy Felix, Cohen Felix, Caroline Collins, Katie Collins, Charles Collins, Sadie Chance, John Luke Chance, Bennett Blackburn, Brooklyn Cook, Knox Cook, Reid Cook, Elizabeth Williams, Andrew Franklin Williams, IV, James Williams, Luke Patrick Williams, Jameson Corbin, Anne Marie Smith, Aubrey Smith, & Tamra Johnson. The family would like to thank special caregiver Caroline Reddick, and the staff of Professional Case Management (PCM) and Regency Hospice. Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 14, 2021, at the Williams Farm, across from 4330 Wilson Rd, Hephzibah, GA, at 3:00 PM with Reverend Dan Plunkett and Chaplain Katrina Salterwood officiating. Interment will follow at Hephzibah-Vance Cemetery, Windsor Spring Rd, Hephzibah, GA. The family will receive friends at the farm from 2:00 PM until the hour of service on Sunday. Pallbearers will be Andrew Franklin Williams, III, John Creech, Tony Felix, John Collins, Derek Cook, Ben Blackburn, Nick Smith, and Roger James. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of Local Union 150. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116; the American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305; or to a charity of one's choice. In accordance with CDC guidelines attendees are asked to wear masks and socially distance. Chance & Hydrick Funeral Directors, 2502 Richmond Hill Road, Augusta, GA, 30906.

Andrew "Frank" Williams,

February 12, 2021