Rodger Lee Williams

Rodger Lee Williams, husband, step-father, grandpa (“paw-paw”), and quintessential "dad" with his signature white tennis shoes, died on Friday, May 20, 2022.

Rodger was born on February 22, 1968, to James Morgan and Helen (Thaxton) Williams.  He was the youngest child in a line of seven, and even though he did not know it yet, he was destined for a lifetime of being the most amazing person in so many people's lives.

Rodger loved the simple things in life: an impeccably clean car, golf on the television (even if he was napping), chocolate milkshakes that he would make from scratch, his favorite bands like Kiss, AC/DC, Five Finger Death Punch, and Guns and Roses, and his best friend and the love of his life, Cindy.  He made sure that everyone knew how much he loved each of these things, each and every (single) day.

Rodger was also a man of many talents. He played electric guitar and would often be found playing a concert-worthy piece when his loving wife of 31 years, Cindy, would arrive home from work or time out shopping.  He could rope his daughters, Wendy, Jessica, and Alicia, into cleaning the whole house from top to bottom simply by turning on music and setting out the butter bucket of cleaner, much to their chagrin.  He could cook the best Steak-Umms during a late-night cooking session.  He could even tell when his daughters were lying, a useful skill when you have three of them!

Along with all these talents, he found his best talent was being a loving husband and father, even though he was outnumbered by girls in the house.  He was the best husband to Cindy, always doting on her, making sure her needs were met, that she was happy, and giving her three kisses before bed each night to symbolize "I love you," even after 34 years.  He knew little about raising a child when he met his love, Cindy, who had three small girls that popped up in the backseat, but he took to parenting like a fish to water.  He was the best step-father to his girls, always making sure they knew that they were loved and cared for when others stepped out.  His daughters loved him so and knew how lucky they were to have an outstanding man that stepped into the role of father for them.

He was promoted to the role of Grandpa back in 2000 with the birth of his first grandson, Dylan, and has not faltered in being the best dang Grandpa there is since.  Cody, Aryiel, Pallas and Harley have all been granted the opportunity to enjoy a lifetime of love from their Grandpa, or as Harley calls him, Paw-Paw.

Rodger was also a successful co-founder and business owner of R&R Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. His co-founder and clients will miss him very much.

Unfortunately, cancer was a cruel monster and took Rodger much too soon, but not before he left an indubitable effect on his family and the world around him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Ann Gabriel, and his brother, Howard Williams. He is survived by his wife, Cindy Underwood Williams; daughters Wendy Sheridan, Jessica Williams, and Alicia Tatakis; sisters, Joyce Browning, Virginia Cheezum, Nancy Palermo; and brother William (Bill) Williams. He is also survived by his in-laws, Gilbert and Jean Underwood.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 24, at Arnoldsville Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Eric Stevens officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday evening at Lord and Stephens, East Chapel from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, GA, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com