The Reverend Franklin Randolph Williams was born September 17, 1939, in Portsmouth, VA to the union of the late Deacon Clinton R. Williams and the late Deaconess Evelyn B. Williams. Fondly called by family and friends as Randolph, Frank, and Tank, Rev. Williams was raised in a Christian home and was the eighth of nine children. He attended the public schools of Norfolk County and Portsmouth, VA where he graduated from I.C. Norcom High School in January 1959.

Rev. Williams served in the United States Army for six years and served a tour of duty in Vietnam. He rose to the rank of Sergeant (E-5) and was awarded the solemn distinction of the Purple Heart medal as a result of being wounded by enemy action in Vietnam. After his service in the military, Rev. Williams spent his early career working as a transit bus operator in Washington, DC and a US postal mail carrier in VA Beach, VA. He attended Washington Technology Institute (Washington, DC) and Norfolk State College, majoring in Industrial Arts and Business, respectively. Rev. Williams graduated from the Apprentice School of Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, VA. He also attended Evan Smith School of Theology in Norfolk, VA, sponsored by the Baptist General Convention of Virginia and Virginia Union University. Rev. Williams retired from Supship as a Quality Assurance specialist with 30 years of federal government service in October 1993.

Before accepting God’s call to the ministry, Rev. Williams served in many capacities at Olive Branch Baptist Church of Portsmouth, VA, where he was raised. They include serving as trustee, Sunday School teacher, Sunday School superintendent, Boys Scout troop leader, Vacation Bible School director, Men’s Day chair, and the trusted bus operator for youth church outings. Rev. Williams credited his deepened sense of God’s calling on his life to participating in a Bible study group led by Rev. Willie Respass, which met regularly during his lunch hour at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Many in this group eventually became area pastors and presently fellowship to this day as part of what is known as the “Shipyard Connection.”

Rev. Williams preached his initial sermon in June 1984 and was ordained in 1987 at Olive Branch Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. James B. Sharp. He served as pastor of Little Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Suffolk, VA from May 1999 to December 2006. Rev. Williams also served as interim pastor of Mt. Herman Temple of Portsmouth, VA before and after his tenure as pastor at Little Mt. Zion. His devotion as a pastor and minister of the gospel was evidenced in the many lives that were touched both inside and outside of the four walls of the church. He was committed to visiting the sick, the shut-in, and the incarcerated, aiding those in need, and serving as an advocate in the courtroom. Rev. Williams was a dedicated member of the Tidewater Metro Baptist Ministers Conference and the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference. He also served for many years as the chaplain for his late dear friend Edinburgh “Tip” Corprew Jr. at Corprew Funeral Home.

Family meant everything to Rev. Williams, and he was incredibly protective of, devoted to, and proud of his family. His favorite pastime was telling all who would listen about his children, his grandchildren, and their achievements. He also found great joy in encouraging academic excellence among his grandchildren by monetarily rewarding their attainment of “A’s” in school. Rev. Williams enjoyed all forms of music and passed on his love for it to his children. He often shared with his family his childhood memories of playing (tuba) in the award-winning I.C. Norcom High School marching band under the direction of the renowned band director Emery Fears.

The Reverend Franklin Randolph Williams peacefully departed this life after a lengthy illness on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, just as he would want—in his home surrounded by his family. He leaves to cherish his memories, Mary Pinner Williams (wife), daughters Dr. Cynthia Williams Turner (Kevin), Celia Williams Hopkins (Thad), Dr. Frances Williams, son Clinton Randolph Williams (Kimberly); eight grandchildren Julien, Justen, Lawson, Bryson, Jordyn, Lauryn, Nicholas, and Kristyn; one great-granddaughter Shiloh; two sisters Evelyn Byrdsong and Barbara Perry; three brothers Clinton Williams, Roland Williams (Suthanee), and Melvin Williams; his beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws; and a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Williams; his father, Clinton Williams; brothers John Williams, Robert Williams, and Willie Williams.