Richard A. Williams (known to many as “Butch”), 80, of Akron, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2019. He was born on October 24, 1939, the son of the late Hugh S. Harvin and Elizabeth Williams.  He was a retired employee of the Barefoot Sole Company in Wadsworth, Ohio, and a retiree of the University of Akron. He was also a faithful part-time employee of the Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens.

Butch was a loving and kind soul.  He was born and raised in Manning, South Carolina, where he was educated.  He was baptized at an early age and remained a faithful Christian.  He moved to New York City as a young man and was an employee of the famed Cotton Club.  He later moved to Akron, Ohio and remained a resident of Akron until his passing.  Butch will be fondly remembered and missed by all!

Butch was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh (Rose) Harvin and Elizabeth Williams; sister, Ella Mae Gibson; brother-in-law, John A. Gibson, Sr.; niece, Eleanor (Bonnie) Gibson; nephew, John A. Gibson, Jr.

He is survived by his son, Richard A. Williams, Jr. (and Richard’s family: mother- Maxine Williams; sister, Priscilla Townsend and brother-Willie Townsend); grandchildren, Rushad Pitts-Williams, Kaelan Williams; brothers, Richard (Sally) Gamble of North Canton and Anthony (Robin) Harvin of Baltimore, MD; sister, Tracey (Andrew) Gamble of Baltimore, MD; nieces, Sallie Diane Gibson of Columbus, Tera (Terrie) Gibson of Akron, Karen Theresa Gibson of Houston, TX, Jazmine Ruff and Crystal Lunkin of Baltimore, MD; nephews, Cameron Wyche and Hugh Harvin of Baltimore, MD; great-nephews, Willy (Tiffany) Gibson of Columbus, Damion Wharton of Akron and a host of relatives and friends.