Photographer, mentor Ricky Williams remembered for his kindness
Ricky Williams passed away on Jan. 30 after losing a battle with cancer. He was a friend to all who met him, and will be missed by the community. (photo:Tony Cox )
Ricky Williams lost his battle with cancer Thursday, Jan. 30, and died peacefully at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge. He was 67.
“He was a man of faith,” his twin brother, Randy, said. “Even at the end, he was still hoping, still praying. He was in good spirits, but he knew. He told me, ‘I’m ready … I’m ready.’”
Williams graduated from Norris High School and later from Cumberland University, now the University of the Cumberlands. He worked for 25 years as a firefighter at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In the early 2010s, he earned an associate degree in photography from Pellissippi State Community College.
A former youth pastor at Bethel Baptist Church and an assistant scoutmaster with Boy Scout Troop 73 in Norris, Williams mentored and guided many young people.
His impact on the community deepened when he began photographing local sporting events.
He shared his photography with print outlets such as The Courier News and the Norris Bulletin, and posted his images on social media — all for free.
“He just enjoyed the kids,” Randy Williams said.
“He started staying up all night going through his photos to weed out the bad ones. Ricky didn’t like to put out bad pictures.”
Parents took notice. Ricky was often asked to capture moments of individual players, and he was always happy to oblige. Soon, players began looking for his familiar presence on the sidelines or at courtside.
He became the unofficial photo historian of Norris Middle School and Anderson County High School athletics.
In 2020, when Anderson County High School hired Nicky Anosike as head coach of the Lady Mavericks basketball team, Williams was named the team’s official photographer — an honor he took to heart.
“Coach Anosike wanted to build the Lady Maverick brand,” said Alicia Wall Alvis, whose daughter Kylee played for the team. “Ricky reached out and, well …”
Kylee’s twin sister, Sadie, was a cheerleader. The connection between the twins and Williams, also a twin, grew strong.
“They grew close,” Alvis said. “I think there was a bond there because Kylee and Sadie were twins and Ricky was a twin. It was a twin connection. He became very supportive.”
Williams did more than take photos. He would attend practices and stay late as parents and coaches transformed the Lady Mavs’ locker room.
“I don’t think he ever slept,” Alvis said. “He’d be there late with all of us painting or doing whatever, then go home and go through his pictures.”
In 2022, Kylee, then a senior, signed a scholarship to compete in shot put and discus at Lincoln Memorial University. It was a surprise to many, as she was known for her basketball skills.
But she had wanted to try another sport after basketball season, and Ricky and Randy, both assistant track coaches at Anderson County High School, helped her train.
Williams’ legacy isn’t just in the memories he created via his camera. It is also in his love of photography and how he worked to get others involved in capturing these special moments in young people’s lives.
“He just enjoyed it so much,” his nephew, Zack Williams, said. “And it seemed like he was having a lot of fun.
“He basically kept bugging me, ‘Come out, just one game. It’ll be fun.’ And then I’d go back the next week.”
Over time, Zack noticed something special.
“When I’d go to a game with him, I’d hear, ‘Hey, there’s Ricky,’” he said. “He always tried to be there for them. He was just kind, always willing to help anybody.”
Williams’ kindness extended beyond photography. He had a special place in his heart for teens struggling with mental health or difficult circumstances. He dedicated time and energy to Mispacha, an organization focused on preventing teen suicide, helping countless teens across the country.
Williams never sought attention. There were things he was proud of, but he didn’t spend time patting himself on the back. He was an “everyman,” who genuinely loved being the source of so many memories and being able to help others.
“He was proud of the work he did with Coach Anosike,” Randy said. “He didn’t brag about it, but I could tell he was proud to be part of that.”
Alicia Wall Alvis recalled how much joy Williams found in his work.
“Ricky would get excited when he thought one of his pictures was going to be in The Courier News,” she said. “He’d call people and tell them to be sure and buy a copy because a picture of so-and-so was going to be in the paper.
“And he wasn’t excited because his picture was in the paper. He was excited because that kid was going to be in the paper.”
That was Ricky. He was loved by many because he was genuinely happy for others. He enjoyed showcasing them.
“Some people have that kind of heart, and people, especially young people, can sense that,” Alvis said.
“I know he didn’t have kids of his own, but there are so many kids who are ‘his.’ I hope people remember and appreciate how many memories Ricky captured for them. He was an important part of this community.”
Services
Visitation for Williams will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at Bethel Baptist Church, with services to follow, officiated by the Revs. Darryl Taylor, David Seiber and Bo Pebley.
Friends and family will meet at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home and drive to Bethel Baptist Church cemetery for an 11 a.m. graveside service.
