Cover photo for Paul Richard Williams's Obituary
Paul Richard Williams Profile Photo
1940 Paul 2020

Paul Richard Williams

September 23, 1940 — February 29, 2020

Paul was born September 23, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, to Zelma and William “Bill” Williams and raised alongside his two brothers, Bill and Frank. Paul passed away February 29, 2020, at his home in Mountain Grove, Missouri. He was 79 years, 5 months, and 6 days of age.

He grew up attending the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Detroit, and attended Detroit Lutheran High School-West, graduating in 1958. After attending Concordia College, in River Forest, Illinois, for a year he decided college wasn’t for him and joined the work force.

Paul was blessed with two children, Paul and Debbie, from his first marriage. He joined the Detroit Police Department in 1962. He enjoyed an eventful and rewarding 25-year career, retiring as a highly decorated Sergeant in 1987.

His life-long appreciation of and skill with firearms led to a second successful career as a master gunsmith. Paul started Williams Shootin’ Iron Service in 1980 and continued to work on a daily basis until his failing health forced him to close the business in 2019.

Paul met the love of his life, Connie, and they married in 1983. They became foster parents in Michigan and cared for and raised 36 children. In 1998, they relocated to Missouri and were blessed with Renee, Audra, and Carolyn.

In addition to work and family, Paul was a dedicated volunteer hunter education instructor in both Michigan and Missouri for 30 years, honored by the State of Missouri in 1999 as Instructor of the Year.

Paul rededicated his life to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with the guidance of Rev. Tom Hunter at Central Lake, Michigan, Baptist Church. Upon moving to Missouri, he found a new church home at Liberty Faith Church in Norwood, Missouri. Paul was a dedicated and fully engaged member of Liberty Faith. He took his relationship with Jesus very seriously and boldly shared his faith with any person he came in contact with—allowing God to use him to bring countless people to Christ.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers.

He is survived by his wife, Connie (Roberts) Williams of the home, his son, Paul Williams and his wife, Regina, of Springfield, Missouri, his daughters, Debbie Linn and her husband, Gary, of Highland, Michigan, Renee McCullough and her husband, Justin, Audra McKinney and her husband, Dylan, all of Mountain Grove, Missouri, and Carolyn Williams of Springfield, Missouri, his grandchildren, Katelyn Randig and her husband, Shane, of Pflugerville, Texas, Rachel and Matthew Williams of Springfield, Missouri, Chloe and Rylie McCullough, Corbin McKinney, all of Mountain Grove, Missouri, and Zadaya Habbyshaw of Springfield, Missouri, one great-grandchild, Brooklyn Randig, along with a large number of nieces, nephews, foster children, in-laws, church family and friends.

Connie and the family would like to express thanks and appreciation for the 2 years of care provided by Three Rivers Hospice of Mountain Grove, and for the many prayers, cards, artwork, and visits from family and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family asks, if you are so inclined, that memorial donations be made to either Camp Joy c/o Liberty Faith Church 147 E. Jackson St. Norwood, MO 65717 or Mountain Grove Christian Academy c/o Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home 315 N. Main St Mountain Grove, MO 65711

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Paul Richard Williams, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, March 6, 2020

3:00 - 6:00 pm (Central time)

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Funeral Service

Friday, March 6, 2020

Starts at 6:00 pm (Central time)

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