LACKEY — Mr. Frederick Douglas Williams (affectionally known as Doug) of Lackey, VA, departed this life on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at York Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Yorktown, VA. He was born October 7, 1930, to the late Ernest and Ollie Richardson Williams in Zebulon (Wake County), NC.
Doug was educated in the Wake County Public School System. An academically talented scholar, he graduated from Shepard High School in Zebulon, NC, at the young age of 15. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Agriculture from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where he was initiated into the Eta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
After graduating from college, Doug worked for John Wanamaker in Philadelphia, PA. In 1950, he enlisted into the US Army, where he served in the 11th Airborne Medical Battalion. During his tour of duty, Doug was stationed in New Jersey; Ft. Campbell, Kentucky; Fairbanks, Alaska; Ft. Huachuca, Arizona and Istanbul, Turkey. In 1956, while in Arizona, he became a member of the Ft. Huachuca Masonic Lodge.
After serving his country, Doug retired from the military and settled in the Lackey/Yorktown area, where he was a resident for over 60 years. As a civilian, he held several jobs that allowed him to interact within the Yorktown community, namely at the Fort Eustis Army Base, Patriot Chevrolet dealership, Hampton Memorial Gardens Cemetery, and the Ball Metal Corporation, finally retiring from the York County (VA) General Services Department. Wherever Doug went, he often made friends as everyone was greeted by his kind, friendly and infectious smile.
As a faithful servant of the Lord, he was baptized during the ’60s at the Morning Star Baptist Church (Burrowsville, VA). He later joined the Rising Sun Baptist Church (York County, VA) under the leadership of Pastor Frank A. Rylander. During his servitude at Rising Sun, Doug was ordained as a deacon and served as the church’s Recording and Financial Secretaries, and held many other positions during his membership. He served on the church’s beautification and edification committee, helping to improve the church’s edifice and its surrounding property. Most notably, in 1964, he played an integral role as a member of the Rising Sun Baptist Church Centennial Publication Committee. Using his collegiate degree and skills, he helped build several homes in the Lackey community, including his own – most of the homes he built are still standing today.
He was also predeceased by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Hickman Williams, son, Lenardo Hickman, and six siblings.
Doug will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memories, daughters, Gabrielle DeAnn Williams, Veronica Jordan (Rev. James V.), Min. Sheila Hickman, and Connie Hickman; sons, James Hickman, Jr. and Arthur Hickman (Sheryl); eleven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; brother, Cornell Williams (Helen); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and caring friends.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Whiting’s Funeral Home, with Pastor David O. Spratley officiating. Livestream will be available at the start of the service. Interment with military honors will follow in the Masonic Burial Grounds, Yorktown. Mr. Williams may be viewed on Saturday beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the hour of his service. Facial coverings are required for all services.
Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com
