Richard Lee Williams was 92

DOWNEY - Richard Lee Williams, 92, a longtime resident of Downey, died peacefully May 4 at South Hills Country Home for the Elderly in West Covina.He was born Feb. 17, 1921 in Los Angeles to John Thomas and Consuelo (Rodriguez) Williams. He attended Jefferson High School in Los Angeles. After trade school, Richard landed a job winding electric motor armatures by hand. He continued his schooling while working and completed his academic education at USC. His work ethic allowed him to continue moving up the ranks at a business that rebuilds and rewinds electric motors and transformers. In fact, Richard was personally responsible for rebuilding the electric generators at the Hoover Dam. He retired after 42 years of service, having attained the title of plant superintendent. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nina Antionette Williams; his brother, John Jay Williams; and his stepson, Richard Daniel Arias. Surviving are two children, Andrew Williams and Linda Michelou (Pierre); stepson, Michael Arias; daughter-in-law, Rosie Arias; eight grandchildren, Stephen Williams, Shannon Williams, Matthew Williams, Michelle Arias, Marc Arias, Richard Arias, Inez Arias, and Ramses Arias; one great-granddaughter, Ariel Arias; two sisters-in-law, Elia Verdugo and Ruth Verdugo; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held May 9 at the Rainbow Chapel at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier. Burial followed at Rose Hills.

********** Published: May 9, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 04