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 Dalton, Georgia, U.S. | (aged 85)
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 |
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.
Williams 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]
In 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.
Williams 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]