Douglas Charles Williams

Douglas Charles Williams of Upper Marlboro, Maryland passed away Thursday evening on March 18, 2021 due to complications from two strokes at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. His passing was sudden and unexpected to his family but to the Lord it was the right time to call him home in Paradise. Douglas was born on Saturday April 14, 1951 at Memorial Hospital in Weiser, Idaho to his Mother, Leona May Williams (Bivins) and his Father, Hillary Tipton Williams. He was the youngest of their five children who were, (by seniority), Richard (Bud), Helen, Ellen and Sharon. Douglas had a unique childhood and grew up in Weiser, Idaho, Topeka, Kansas and other locations in the Western and Midwestern states of the U.S. Douglas was more commonly known as "Chuck" among his family and friends. His parents later unfortunately separated and his childhood was then mostly spent between Idaho and Kansas but despite the distance and separation he was able to stay connected with his family on both sides. Despite all the trials and tribulations Douglas tried to make the best of every occasion. Whether it was from enjoying beautiful scenery through car rides with his Mom to playing with his cousins or from riding bikes and riding on the back of his older brother Richard‘s motorbike (who he looked up to) he managed to fill his life with joy. Of course he did also manage to sneak some fun and mischief into his childhood As he grew older Douglas was described as a “curious and spirited carefree traveler” in his early adulthood. After graduating from Topeka High School in Topeka, KS in 1970 he traveled and hitchhiked all across the United States to the point where he had visited almost every state there is. Douglas would routinely tell his family members of his adventurous tales. They were filled with adventure and excitement that left his family feeling inspired by them. Some favorite stories he told his family were some of the acts of kindness by strangers he encountered. There was the story of Douglas hitchhiking on the side of a road when a single mom with children pulled over and gave him a lift and went as far as to pay for a hotel room for him for one night. This act of kindness by that stranger and her family shocked him but the kindness of her actions always stayed with him. Other instances include when he was hitchhiking and walking along the railroad tracks. He hadn’t eaten anything all day when a train came by and the conductor tossed him an apple. Then there was the time in California when he was walking by the docks and he was suddenly approached by a couple who had a sailboat and wanted to get to Hawaii but neither of them knew how to operate it. They asked Douglas if he could operate their boat for them and take them to Hawaii and on a whim Douglas gleefully accepted. He also became their chef as well during the journey. Once they arrived in Hawaii he decided to live there for a year. Douglas always described Hawaii as a beautiful place and he particularly remembered and loved the island chain's native flowers. He said the flowers aroma was so sweet that he could smell them from a mile away. After a year in Hawaii he went back to the U.S. mainland with his brother, who was visiting him but this time he decided to fly back. After all his travels were over, he wanted to be with his mother to whom he has always had a close connection. It was in the early 1980's when Douglas moved to Maryland to take care of his elderly mother and to be by her side. Leona moved to Maryland to be close to her daughters Helen and Sharon. It was through Douglas's eldest sister, Helen, who was the owner of a local chain of beauty salons called Unique Chic and co-owner of a beauty school called Aaron's Academy of Beauty in Waldorf, Maryland that he would one day meet his wife. One day while my dad was getting a haircut at his sister’s school the stylist who was cutting his hair was named Jatuporn. They became friends and it was through her that she introduced him to her aunt, Lamai Thamthieng. Lamai had just come to the United States from Thailand in July 1988 and the two fell in love and married on December 13, 1988 and they would be married for the next 32 years. They soon had two children, Richard and Diana Williams and both Douglas and Lamai loved them very much. Douglas raised both children in the Marlton community of Upper Marlboro, MD. Douglas was a security officer at Southern Maryland Hospital Center and Prince George's Hospital with a combined tenure of over 25 years. He was hard working and did his best to provide for his family. Douglas was very family oriented and loved to spend time with them. He particularly loved to have Sunday drives, take care of animals, watch television, travel to Ocean City, MD a lot and he was an avid automobile enthusiast. Douglas was well known among his family, friends and coworkers as a kind, quiet man who loved God and took great pride in his family. His favorite Bible verse was John 3:16. He was preceded in death by his Father, Hillary, his Mother Leona and his four other siblings (in order of passing), Ellen, Richard, Sharon and Helen. He is survived by his wife, Lamai, his daughter, Diana, his son, Richard with his wife Joana and his two grandsons, Avery and Preston and a third grandchild expected to be born in June 2021. Douglas was very proud of his grandsons and was overjoyed to hear the news he was having a third grandchild. A Viewing, a Celebration of Life Memorial Service in honor of Douglas C. Williams and Burial will be held on Tuesday March 30, 2021 at Lee Funeral Home located at 6633 Old Alexandria Ferry Road Clinton, MD 20735. The Viewing will begin at 10:00 A.M. and end at 12:00 P.M. The Celebration of Life Memorial Service will begin at 12:00 P.M. and end at 1:00 P.M. in the funeral home chapel. Reverend Jeffrey Samaha was a good friend of Douglas and knew him for over 30 years. He will be officiating the funeral services. The Burial will then take place at St. Thomas Parish Episcopal Church located at 14300 St. Thomas Church Road Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. The Burial is slated to begin at 1:30 P.M. and end at 2:30 P.M. There will then be a private Repast/Reception for family and friends. If you would like to give any gifts and/or donations to Douglas's family please consider using the Douglas C. Williams Memorial Fund through GoFundMe.com. It can be accessed through the following link: https://gofund.me/db382ca7 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Douglas Charles Williams please visit our Sympathy Store.