Raymond Harry Williams, 82, was born in Ridgeland, SC, in the days when there was no hospital in Beaufort. He would laughingly say that he made his way as quickly as possible back to Beaufort, the town where he spent the majority of his life, and which shaped him into the man he became. Ray was raised on the Old Point where he experienced a magical childhood with his lifelong friends playing in the marsh and rivers of Beaufort and challenging the Ribaut Redbugs, his football team’s rival, to games on the Old Point’s Green with mothers watching from a nearby porch. He ran track and played football for the Beaufort High School Tidal Waves where he was co-captain of the football team and was quarterback on the All State Team his junior year. He began his college days at the Citadel in 1959; and during his four years, he ran track and made many lifelong friends. He was on the Battalion Staff his senior year and attended summer sessions at Officer Training School. This allowed him to enter the United States Marine Corps (USMC) as a Second Lieutenant. Ray had an incredible work ethic and determination which started at a young age and was present throughout his life. In his formative years, he worked in construction, on a tobacco farm, on a shrimp boat, in a drugstore in downtown Beaufort, and as a school bus driver. His work ethic, determination, and sense of honor came into play when he was in the USMC especially during his 16 months in Vietnam. He served in Vietnam as an Infantry Officer for the 3rd Battalion of the 3rd Marines where he led his troops by example and with courage. He was known to be first in line as his troops trolled through the jungles. His time spent in Vietnam had a profound and lasting effect on his life. He made friends that remained in his life until the end. When he returned to Beaufort for a visit after Vietnam, he was set up on a date with the love of his life, Hedy Earlene Hayes. After their date, they were inseparable and married 6 months later. Following their wedding, Ray continued his career in the USMC and was stationed in Quantico and then MCAS Beaufort. After seven years in the USMC, he medically retired due to an injury received in Vietnam. After his time in the USMC, Ray attended Law School at the University of South Carolina where he was elected President of the Law School Bar Review his senior year. Once he earned his Juris Doctorate, he accepted a position at the Dowling Law Firm which brought him back to his beloved small town of Beaufort where over the next 47 years he practiced law and assisted in shaping Beaufort into what it is today. As the attorney for Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority, he was involved with the establishment of the Spanish Moss Trail. He was the Assistant City Attorney and helped facilitate the development of the Waterfront Park. He served a term on Beaufort County Council as Vice Chairman. He played instrumental roles in the development of Dataw, Secession, and the conveyance of Pritchards Island to the University of South Carolina. He was active in the Beaufort community through various clubs and organizations to include Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Beaufort Yacht Club, Founding Member of the Jean Ribaut Society, County Council, and the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club. He was a lifelong member of St. Helena’s Church where, as a child, he served as an acolyte and later as a co-Head of the acolyte program. He was a member of the Vestry and served many Sundays as an Usher. With his young family, he could always be found with his wife and children in the front right pews. Later in life, he was a faithful participant in the Wednesday night services using the 1928 Prayer Book. During his leisure time, he could be found in the river with family and friends, on the golf course, running and training for races, cooking in the kitchen, or gardening in his yard. Ray was a founding member of the Thirsty Group and a loyal Muddy Buddy having spent countless hours “Down the River”. He loved his family, friends and town. As he always would say, “give yourself a hug around the neck” – the sentiment we send him now. Ray was predeceased by his parents, Louise Clements Williams and Harry Meredith Williams; his brother, Richard Bass Williams; and his beloved wife of 47 years, Hedy Hayes Williams. He is survived by his son. Hayes (Elizabeth) Williams; and daughter. Ashley (Jason) Hincher; grandchildren. Sarah and John Williams, William and Lawrence Schein; and step-grandchildren. Jacob (Izzie & Jonah) and Emma Hincher. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Helena’s Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Helena’s Church, P.O. Box 1043, Beaufort, SC 29901. Anderson Funeral Home is serving the family.