Paul “Red” Williams, born on September 2, 1943, near Grubbs, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2026. Known for his striking red hair and warm smile, Paul was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was predeceased by his parents, Agnes and Mike Williams; his brothers L.G. and Jim (Sam), sisters Lillian (Jane) Neely and Virginia (Sug) Ruffin; and his first wife of 53 years, Barbara Richardson Williams.
Paul is survived by his devoted wife, Ann, and their blended family. He leaves behind his son, Tim Williams and wife Jenny; daughters Belinda Self and husband Bobby, and Diane Shipley. He was a cherished grandfather to Tara Self Williams (Sy), Derek Self, Will Shipley, David Shipley (Brittany), and Oscar Williams, and a doting great-grandfather to Gentrye and Ross Williams, Peyton, Maddox, and Drake Self. Paul also embraced Ann’s son, Mark Dawson (Tina), and her grandchildren Marcus Wallis (Ashton), Aggie and Ansley Dawson and her great-grandchildren, Avery and Case Wallis.
Paul is also survived by his last living sibling, Ruth McElrath. He also leaves behind nieces Sandy Miser (Stacy) and Maggy Sutherland (Dion) and nephews Muggs Goodman (Margaret) and Michael Williams.
Paul worked alongside his father and brother on the family farm before he joined Norandal. Retiring from Norandal, he shared his passion for raising Boer goats with his grandchildren. Paul was an avid coon hunter, sports enthusiast, an amazing dancer. Paul was baptized by his son-in-law, Bob, in 2013 and attended the Midway Church of Christ until the COVID pandemic.
Pallbearers are Tim and Oscar Williams, Derek, Peyton, Maddox and Drake Self and David Shipley.
Honorable pallbearers: Bobby Self, Steve Mayhue, Phil Hopkins, Jim Phillips, and Chad Harmon
Paul’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
