William Roger Williams (September 22, 1933 – September 4, 2019) was an American politician from Georgia. He served two separate times in the Georgia House of Representatives—first as a Democrat, and then from 2001 to 2013 as a Republican.
Roger Williams | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Georgia House of Representatives | |
| In office April 3, 2001 – January 14, 2013 | |
| Preceded by | Harold Mann |
| Succeeded by | Bruce Broadrick |
| Constituency | 5th district (2001–2003) 4th district (2003–2013) |
| In office January 10, 1977 – January 12, 1987 | |
| Preceded by | Jack H. Cole |
| Succeeded by | Jimmy Tyson Griffin |
| Constituency | 6th district |
| Personal details | |
| Born | William Roger Williams September 22, 1933 Gainesville, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | September 4, 2019 (aged 85) Dalton, Georgia, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican (1986–2019) |
| Other political affiliations | Democratic (before 1986) |
| Spouse |
Mary Pope (m. 1956) |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | University of North Georgia (BS) |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1954–1962 |
| Rank | Captain |
Early life and education
editWilliams was born into an Episcopalian family in Gainesville, Georgia, in 1933.[1] After graduating from North Georgia College in 1954, he joined the United States Army, eventually rising to the rank of captain.[1] In his final two years in the Army, Williams went to South Vietnam as a member of a Military Assistance Advisory Group.[1]
After departing the military, Williams moved to Dalton, Georgia, where he began a career in finance.[2] He eventually became president of the Whitfield Finance Co.[1]
Political career
editIn 1976, Williams ran successfully for the Georgia House of Representatives in a district that included parts of Walker and Whitfield counties.[1] He served as in the chamber as a Democrat until 1987.[3] After five terms, Williams switched to the Republican Party and attempted to run for the Georgia State Senate. He lost narrowly on three occasions: first in 1986,[4] then again in 1988 and 1992.
Williams returned to the Georgia House in 2001 via a special election following the unexpected death of State Representative Harold Mann.[2] He served in the body until his retirement in 2013.[2] Williams was later elected to the State Transportation Board from the 14th district.
Death
editWilliams died following battles with Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease on September 4, 2019.[2] Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives David Ralston memorialized Williams as "a dear friend of mine and a solid rock of wisdom and good counsel."[2]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e "Georgia Official and Statistical Register, 1977-1978" (PDF). Georgia Department of Archives and History. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e "Former state legislator Williams remembered as 'quick to work with anyone'". Dalton Daily Citizen. September 4, 2019. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
- ^ "Georgia Official and Statistical Register, 1985-1988" (PDF). Georgia Department of Archives and History. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
- ^ "Elections, 1985-86" (PDF). Georgia Secretary of State. Retrieved March 1, 2022.