Richard Craig “Dick” Williams, 87, of Olive Hill, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 18, 2026, at UK-St. Claire Medical Center in Morehead, Kentucky, with family at his side.
He was born March 20, 1938, in Kendallville, Indiana, to the late Richard and Elaine Bly Williams. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Carole Jean “Jeanie” Williams; a brother, Ralph Williams; a sister, Judy Williams Wright; and his beloved mother-in-law, Louise Henderson Cundiff.
Dick was a proud Army Veteran of the 82nd Airborne and of the Navy Reserve. He was an adventurer who made the most of life. An avid reader from childhood, he dreamed of traveling the world and seeing exotic places. In the late 1970’s, he got his chance. He worked in Saudi Arabia on construction of what was then the world’s largest airport. During breaks from work, he traveled extensively throughout Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Always a sharp dresser, he and Jeanie made quite an elegant couple on many a dance floor. They shared great love and laughter together.
In the 1990’s, Dick decided to become a police officer, and that’s where he truly made his mark. He went on to serve as both patrolman and chief of police of Olive Hill. He retired at age 81, after more than 25 years of service to the city. He continued to work part time as a bailiff in the Carter County Courthouse up to last year.
Dick possessed a sharp sense of humor and delighted in making people laugh. He seldom showed his more serious side. Instead, he helped many people in the community in quiet ways, creating a legacy that will live on in the hearts of many. A Christian, he vowed to serve his God, his family, his country and his community, and served all four with honor and dignity.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Heatherann Cundiff of Ocala, Florida; two nephews and their wives, David and Diana Cundiff and Jonathan and Kim Cundiff, both of Olive Hill; a niece, Maria Pearson of Lima, Ohio; four great-nephews, Travis, Kyle, B.J. and Dalton Cundiff; special friend, Alma Sturgill of Olive Hill, with whom he shared many special times and adventures for 15 years.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m., Friday, January 23, 2026, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Brother Steve Madden, Brother Marcus McCleese and Brother Jason Lewis officiating. Burial will follow in Garvin Ridge Cemetery in Olive Hill, Kentucky.
Friends may visit from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Thursday, January 22, 2026, and after 9 a.m., Friday, January 23, 2026, until the service hour at Globe Funeral Chapel.
Bruce Palmer, Sam Richmond, Travis Cundiff, B.J. Cundiff, Kyle Cundiff and Dalton Cundiff will serve as pallbearers.
Olive Hill Police Department will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Globe Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the family of Richard Craig “Dick” Williams.
