Roger Williams (Georgia politician)

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.

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 (1933-09-22)September 22, 1933 Gainesville, Georgia, U.S.
Died	September 4, 2019(2019-09-04) (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
Branch/service	United States Army
Years of service	1954–1962
Rank	Captain

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]