The life of Stanley Richard Williams Jr., a World War II veteran and accomplished poet, is commemorated following his passing on January 25, 2023, just months shy of his 100th birthday. A resident of Aurora for decades before moving to Plainfield, Illinois, Williams is remembered for his diverse talents, including his contributions to bowling, poetry, and his service in the U.S. Navy.
During his military career, Williams served as a signalman third class aboard a U.S. Landing Craft Infantry ship in the Pacific Theater. His vessel played a critical role, providing fire support just before troops landed on enemy shores. This mission was among the most hazardous of the war, as noted by historical sources. Williams survived multiple attacks, including six Kamikaze assaults during significant battles at Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
In a recorded interview for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, Williams described the dangers faced by his crew, stating, “we were always in harm’s fire.” Despite his reluctance to discuss his battle experiences in detail, he reflected on the heavy toll of war, expressing a deep aversion to it. “I hate war,” he stated firmly, recalling his discharge on June 7, 1946, with a vow to forget the war.
Born in West Virginia, Williams relocated to southern California during his final year of high school. His father, a talented musician, shifted careers due to the Great Depression. With a promise to finish high school, Williams enlisted in the Navy the day before his eighteenth birthday. His proficiency in Morse Code from his time as a Boy Scout led him to train as a signalman.
Williams’ military journey took him from basic training in San Diego to the Philippines, where he served on the mortar ship designated LCI (M) 352. He often found himself in the signal stand, experiencing the emotional weight of combat as he sent and received communications under fire. His wife, Christine Williams, noted in his accounts that he frequently returned from these duties with tears on his face due to the impact of artillery fire.
After the war, Williams utilized the GI Bill to pursue an English degree at Long Beach State College, where he expanded his studies to include art and psychology. Though he initially aimed for a teaching career, family obligations led him to become a noted bowling coach and ball driller, abandoning professional competition after an injury. He managed bowling centers and pro shops, earning a reputation in the sport.
Beyond his bowling career, Williams embraced his role as a community leader, becoming a long-time Scoutmaster and leading youth camps and adult excursions for the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation. His contributions extended into the veteran community, where he eventually joined the local American Legion and VFW posts. He participated in Honor Flight Chicago, an initiative honoring veterans with trips to Washington, D.C.
Despite his accomplishments, Williams often described himself as a loner. The hearing loss he sustained from concussions during the war influenced his reticence to share his experiences. He also faced vision challenges due to macular degeneration, which compelled him to pivot from visual arts to writing after 2005. Over his lifetime, he authored more than 3,000 poems and published four books, becoming the poet laureate for Honor Flight Chicago.
His work resonated deeply with readers, as noted by Mike Eckburg, former commander of Roosevelt-Aurora American Legion Post 84. Eckburg remarked on Williams’ vast knowledge and his ability to engage in discussions on various topics, including his love for history and literature.
Christine Williams fondly recalled her husband as someone who was both intellectually curious and light-hearted. “Dick was an amazing man with a lot of stories and experiences,” she remarked, highlighting his passion for learning and deep patriotism. She reflected on his emotional nature, noting his tears at the sight of the flag or the mention of children.
A memorial service in honor of Richard Williams will take place at 10:30 a.m. on May 11, his birthday, at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois, followed by a luncheon at the couple’s home in Plainfield. Christine expressed her desire to celebrate his centenary in style but instead will focus on honoring his remarkable life. “Richard lived ten lives in one,” she stated. “He was a remarkable man.”
