Obituary
Richard “Dick” Jackson Williams, 85, (09/13/1940 — 11/02/2025), peacefully stepped into the arms of Jesus – the One he walked with, sang to, and served with unwavering devotion all his days.
Dick lived like a hymn – each note prophetic, each word chosen with care, each breath offered back to the God he loved so fiercely. A guitarist whose hands could coax heavenward melodies, and a wordsmith whose language carried warmth and truth, he followed Holy Spirit with a purity that needed no stage and sought no spotlight. His prophetic gifts were not only accurate and timely – so many testified to the way his words arrived like sacred threads, woven precisely into the moment hearts needed them most.
Whether in a humble house church, a familiar sanctuary, or in a chance encounter with a stranger, Dick carried an atmosphere of peace and presence. His ministry was never marked by recognition or applause; it was marked by love – simple, steady, Christlike love that reshaped lives in quiet, powerful ways.
For 55 years, his heart belonged wholly to his “sweet bride,” Donna. Their life together was a pilgrimage of faith and tenderness. She traveled beside him on countless ministry journeys, their footsteps interwoven, their devotion unmistakable to anyone who witnessed them.
His sons, Derek and Ryan, were not just his children – they were his closest companions, his joy, the ones he proudly called his best friends. His daughters-in-law, Jenni and Joanna, were lovingly embraced as his “daughters-in-love,” cherished with the same devotion he offered to all family. And in his grandson Jackson, named for him, Dick found a legacy of wonder and hope. That young man was a treasure beyond measure in Dick’s eyes.
When he wasn’t traveling the country to encourage and minister, Dick was calling those he loved – quiet acts of care that became their own tender form of pastoring. He checked in, prayed over, and uplifted countless people, offering his time and his heart with a gentleness that made others feel deeply seen.
He was, simply put, an extraordinary human being – tender yet strong, creative yet grounded, humble yet radiant with the love of Christ.
Those who knew him still carry his music in their hearts. It echoes in memories, in stories told with misted eyes, in the quiet places where love lingers. His life was a song composed of faith, kindness, prophetic insight, and holy devotion – and its melody will not fade.
Well done, beloved servant.
Your melody continues.
Celebrating the Life of Dick Williams –
A Symphony of Grace
Recorded Friday December 5, 2025
Dick’s family invites you to view the virtual celebration of life service & reception to honor his life and legacy.
Photo Gallery
Slideshow
Dick Plays a short rendition of “Montana Morning”
This is Dick’s best known original song and represents his heart for the Lord. His Grandson Jackson recorded him playing this a few years ago.
Dick Williams’ Music
Dick recorded these songs during his storied ministry career. We hope they encourage and strengthen you in your walk with Jesus.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Dick Williams’ Ministry.
Dick Williams has served the Body of Christ faithfully for over five decades as a prophetic voice and servant of the Lord. Known across the country and abroad as “the singing prophet,” Dick ministers uniquely through both word and song — often prophesying while strumming his guitar under the unction of the Holy Spirit.
Your gift helps release God’s word and encouragement to many, carrying Dick’s prophetic voice into this generation and the next. Please consider becoming a monthly partner to support Donna and keep this work going strong.
I had the privilege of having Dick and Donna Williams in a House Church Group in 2022-2023. I really enjoyed getting to know both of them on a deeper level. They brought so much to our conversations in that group. I will never forget when we were talking about the movie “Jesus Revolution” that came out at the time and Dick and Donna LIVED that experience. It was really incredible to hear their perspective of the “Jesus Revolution” in southern California, and learn that Lonnie Frisbee was the one that pointed Dick toward Donna!
Hi
For some reason, my inept tech skills, I’m not able to get on the memorial, so, I’ll do this.
I’m Philip Warner, Donna’s brother and dick’s brother-in-law. I wanted to share some memories with you all about Dick’s influence on my life.
I was a candle lighter in Dick and Donna’s wedding. Shortly after their wedding I visited them in Canoga Park, CA where Dick taught me my first finger picking style on my new Yamaha nylon string guitar, which I still have to this day and use occasionally for leading worship and generally plinking away.
During that visit I noticed how loving, courteous and supportive of each other Dick and Donna were and was amazed at their love for each other. Dick also taught me a couple of song of his with that finger picking style. It seemed their marriage was saturated with love and strong affection which was also evident in their wedding which was officiated by Albee Pierson, former baseball star, and close friend who had recently accepted Christ into his life and started and ministry of love based on 1 Cor. 13. (Song Dick taught me) ‘Although I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, If I have not charity, if love doesn’t flow from me, I am nothing, Jesus reduce me to love.
I admired their love for each other and wished, so much, that when my time came to be married, I would have the same fulfilling relationship as they did. I was 11 years younger than Donna, so I had a lot of time to observe and prepare for this event. Sadly, I was not to experience this type of relationship, even after 2 tries, but Dick and Donna were there to counsel and support me through those tough times, helping me to realize that God was with me, would never leave me, and would always love and pray over me and my future.
(Song taught to me by Dick) Mary came to the tomb to pray, She saw the stone had been rolled away, She cried they’ve taken my Lord away and I know not where they’ve laid him,,, To her side a stranger came, She knew him not then he spoke her name, She saw it was he who suffered mortal pain and she cried MY LORD TIS THEE. He ascended high over Galilee, Till their mortal eyes could no longer see, But lingering still were His parting words, FOR LO I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, Even until the end of the world.
As the years have passed, I witnessed Dick and Donna work through their ministry, logging in abnormally insane miles on their tours through the north and southwestern states and wondered, WHO DOES THAT!!?? But from the testimonies I’ve heard in these past few weeks, I’ve realized It’s God who calls us, It’s God who prepares and equips us, It’s God who strengthens us, and It’s God who leads us and we can’t put this God of ours in a box to limit ourselves to experience only cookie cutter ministries. It has only been by God’s MIRACLE that Dick and Donna have lived the life they lived day by day following the Lord on a path not known by many.
And now Dick finds himself in a place where he hears those cherished words,,,,,WELL DONE THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT….
(Song taught to me by Dick). Early in the morning will I seek thee, Rising up to meet the coming day, Praising God for everything, I hear an angels chorus sing, Praise the Lord I’m off and on my way….Home again at last oh what a feeling, to get another work day put away, soothing shadows fall in line as thoughts of glory fill my mind, WHAT A LIFE TO WALK THE MASTER’S WAY. WHAT A LIFE!!!
And what a life you’ve lived well Dick Williams.
And may we all be determined in our hearts, as I am in mine, to live a life well pleasing to God to finish our races STRONG!!!
I have wonderful memories of Dick and Donna from my Ventura days, 1973-76, 1980-81. We shared in worship together, playing “in the spirit” on my trombone as Dick led! I was so encouraged by his music and ministering spirit. Love to you Donna, your family, and Phil and Mary. And, Donna, your parents, Frank and Lois, took me into their home several times when I first arrived as a “newbie” to Ventura (1973)–where I first met you and Dick. Frank, the greeter at Peoples, was the first to shake hand on my first visit to Peoples.
Hey, Phil! Please get ahold of me, your ol’ trombone playing buddy from our Ventura days. I would love to chat with you!
Thank you for sharing your husband, father, grandfather and uncle with us. Dick would come to Utah when I was a new Christian and I would be so encouraged by his words and music. It didn’t matter if there were only 15 people in the room, he came to minister to us in wonderful ways. At that time, not many people came to Utah to minister, but Dick did! Now he has heard the words “Well Done!” from Jesus. Thank you Dick Williams!
His personal word to me still encourages me to this day. His sermons were always ones that touched my heart as I got to listen to him once a year in Coos Bay, OR.
Dick Williams was real—because he was truthful. In every season and
every conversation, you could count on his sincerity and his integrity.
To me and to my family, he was a true friend, faithful and unwavering for decades.
He was a man of prayer, carrying a grace that was both prophetic in precision
and powerful in effect. When he prayed, heaven felt near. And no matter the hour,
he was accessible—just a phone call away, ready to listen, ready to stand with me.
He was my big brother in the Lord, yet he honored me by considering me a
colleague. That humility, that generosity of spirit, defined him.
Decidedly, he leaves behind a profound and lasting impact—not only on my life,
but on countless others who were blessed by his walk, his wisdom, and his witness.
His legacy lives on in all of us who were shaped by the gift of his life.
Dick Williams was a good friend of mine. I met him at Harry Deckert’s church in 1986 where he encouraged me with a good word that I desired a close and deeper walk with the Lord. That has played out and still at work in me. Dick would always encourage everyone who had the privilege to hear him. Over the years we became closer and I had the honor of taking him skiing at Alta several times when he had meetings in the Salt Lake area. He stayed at my house multiple times and we got to know each other quite well. One thing we had in common was our love for music from the 60’s & 70’s. He knew so much about that era and even played with or knew many of the artists and would tell incredible detailed stories. Dick was a master story teller and musician who used his spiritual gift to encourage people. Over the years he gave me many encouraging prophetic words and one of the last ones was about me being a writer. He was working on his book and I was trying to write mine. One thing he told me was to be authentic and write with the Holy Spirit who was in me. When I finally finished in 2023, I asked Dick to write an endorsement. He gladly did and it is most eloquent and to the point. He was the most giving person and role model that exemplifies the meaning of walking with God. Well done my friend.
Dick was a very dear friend to us and to our church, highly respected and very much loved. There was a season when as pastor’s, we were going through a very difficult time, having tried everything we knew to heal the situation but could not. Dick, as he was ministering to others in the congregation, stopped in front of us – not knowing what we were going through – and spoke a very prophetic word over us, one of comfort and certainty, that God was going to get us through this trial and heal our church. God did exactly that, and we stayed many years ministering God’s love and seeing many saved and restored. We are very thankful for his faithful ministry to this Body year after year. We loved having Dick and Donna in our home, loving on them as they so wonderfully did to others over the years. “Dick, we will see you soon and worship Jesus with you.” We send our love to Donna and their precious family.
This man, Dick Williams, was many things to many people. To me, and my daughter he along with his wife Donna Williams were/are family. I met them after a very broken season in my life 40 years ago. They started off as Pastors, but quickly embraced us both as family. Dick used to also say he was my big brother, but he was SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT to both my daughter and I. He and Donna were instrumental in being human conduits of the love and healing of Jesus Himself! There have been 3 men who have greatly impacted my life. It’s been difficult imagining life without Dick and our phone chats. He follwed my husbands graduation 2 months ago. I will be eternally grateful for his love, guidance and wisdom and friendship. He was a TRUE SOUTHERN gentleman. I can only imagine the conversations in heaven, and I KNOW they are cheering us on to the finish line. My heart joins with those with love for the Williams family. Thank you for sharing him with so many.
I don’t really care for “Prophets”. Heard far too many it’s their generic messages and iffy lifestyles. I heard Dick back in the early 80’s when he came to Salt Lake Foursquare.
I felt the Lord tugging at my heart to go and listen, so I did. I told the Lord if He had a message for me, I wanted to know absolutely that it was for me.
Dick told me a prayer I had prayed a week prior when I was driving to California. Then he told me God’s answer to that prayer. I had no doubts after that.
Since that time, I have been to many services with Dick. For me, my favorite part was watching how gracefully he used the gift God gave him. So many times ministers are loud, over dramatic, or just too showy.
Dick was always graceful, not showy, and loving in how he presented words for people.
The music was always fun for me cause it was usually about life on the porch. My favorite place to be.
I look forward to hanging with him on his porch in Heaven.
I send my deepest sympathies and condolences in Dick’s passing. He was an incredible man of God. When he came to Amador Christian Center and ministered to the body of Christ, he made such an impact that will never forget and deeply appreciate all that he did And the impact it made on others and myself… I look forward to seeing him again in heaven…. May the Lord Comfort and strengthen your family at this time i’ve lost and give you peace, His Peace that passes all understanding…. ❤️