Roger Williams (Georgia politician)

Roger Williams
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 (aged 85); Dalton, Georgia, U.S.
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
Allegiance	United States
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.

Early life and education

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]

Political career

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.

Death

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]

References

"Georgia Official and Statistical Register, 1977-1978" (PDF). Georgia Department of Archives and History. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
"Former state legislator Williams remembered as 'quick to work with anyone'". Dalton Daily Citizen. September 4, 2019. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
"Georgia Official and Statistical Register, 1985-1988" (PDF). Georgia Department of Archives and History. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
"Elections, 1985-86" (PDF). Georgia Secretary of State. Retrieved March 1, 2022.

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[Register_1977-1] "Georgia Official and Statistical Register, 1977-1978" (PDF). Georgia Department of Archives and History. Retrieved February 25, 2022.

[Obituary-2] "Former state legislator Williams remembered as 'quick to work with anyone'". Dalton Daily Citizen. September 4, 2019. Retrieved February 25, 2022.

[Register_1985-3] "Georgia Official and Statistical Register, 1985-1988" (PDF). Georgia Department of Archives and History. Retrieved February 25, 2022.

[4] "Elections, 1985-86" (PDF). Georgia Secretary of State. Retrieved March 1, 2022.