CHRISTOPHER – Richard “Nu Boy” Williams, 77, of Christopher, passed away at 8:11 a.m. Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at SSM Health DePaul Hospital in Bridgeton, MO.

Richard was born on October 10, 1946, in Buckner, IL to Asa and Florence (Day) Williams. He married his beloved Valerie Sue Overturf at a small church in Buckner on July 3, 1965. She survives of Chrisopher.

Richard was a hardworking man who loved what he did for a living. He was a coal miner for 35 years at Consol Inland Steel in Waltonville for 35 years. He began his career as a buggy runner and retired top side as a mechanic and welder. Even after work he loved piddling around with engines or making elaborate swings for his children and grandchildren.

He was a Christian man of faith and attended and volunteered his time at Purpose House Church in Herrin. He was a greeter, worked the parking lot mowed the lawn and dedicated his time to the “Love Goes” Mission within the church. In his spare time he loved doting on his grandchildren and great grandchildren, he was a collector of coins and “star” dollars and was well known for his cookies; especially his French Cookies (the recipe for which is a much debated secret).

Survivors include wife, Valerie Williams of Christopher; daughters, Tina Corbitt and husband Darrell of Herrin and Teresa Earnheart and husband Mitch of Dacula, GA; five grandchildren, Danielle Neeley and husband Colin, Paige Pemberton and husband Matthew, Benjamin Corbitt and wife Taylor, Ryan Earnheart and wife Abigail, and Matthew Earnheart; five great-grandchildren, Asa, Theodore, Lyla, Elijah, and Logan. He is also survived by brothers, Carl Williams of Belleville and Kenny Williams of Lavonia, MI; and sister, Sandy Vukadinovich of Christopher, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers and sisters.

A celebration of life and gathering friends and family will take place from 1 until 3 p.m., Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Purpose House Church in Herrin. The Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher was entrusted with cremation and memorial arrangements.

Memorial arrangements are suggested to Purpose House Church and will be accepted there or may be mailed to Gilbert Funeral Home, 209 N. Emma, Christopher, IL 62822, or to Purpose House Church, 124 Lou Anne Drive, Herrin, IL 62948. 

For more information please visit https://www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.