Larry (Pops) Williams of Raeford died Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at UNC Hospital in Chapel at the age of 78.
He was born in Savannah, Georgia on April 18, 1941 to Franklin Williams and Helen Scott. He served 20 years in the US Army, (7th Special SFG), in which he did several tours in Vietnam and the Dominican Republic (Operation Power Pack). During this time, he received several accolades and commendations including and not limited to, a Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal Bronze Clasp with Five Loops, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Dominican Republic), National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and Senior Parachutist Badge. After retirement he opened Star Farms. In 1991 he married Dianne Rowland and they began Williams Quarter Horse Farm. During this time, he trained horses, taught and mentored youth from all over the southeast, and built lasting relationships full of love, laughter, hard work and respect. Many of these youth were successful in not only the early stages of their show career, but also learned life lessons that continue to guide their paths today.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years Dianne Rowland Williams of Raeford; two sons, Nathan Williams of Whispering Pines and Brian Williams and wife Jennifer of Raeford, NC; a daughter, Maricela (Marty) Fatino of Pinehurst, NC; nine grandchildren, Sydney, Chini, Alexis, Morgan, Hunter, Porter, Daniel, Ellie Kate and Alli; and a sister, Linda Dickerson and husband Ron of Atlanta, Georgia.
Visitation will be held Friday, May 10, 2019 from 7-9 p.m. at Crumpler Funeral Home.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Antioch Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Jim Smith officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with full military honors.
Memorials may be made to Antioch Presbyterian Church, 6583 Red Springs Road, Red Springs, NC 28377.
A celebration of his life will directly follow the funeral at the family farm at 5406 Blue Springs Road, Red Springs.