Thu
Jul 7 2016
11:54 pm
Death of Ron Williams
By: Bbeanster

I don't often link up my own stories, but wanted to get this out. I started hearing that Ron Williams had died over the weekend, and had some difficulty confirming it. Turns out he died of congestive heart failure June 24th, but there was no obituary because his family couldn't afford one. They also couldn't afford a funeral, and Ron's body has been at Rose Mortuary since his death.

Thankfully, as word got out, some of his friends and patrons pretty quickly raised the money necessary for a funeral. Ron was a veteran (US Navy) and will be buried Tuesday with full military honors.

Ron specialized in grand-scale landscapes, sort of Hudson River School transplanted to the Southern Highlands. He had an uncommon gift, but got ripped off a lot due to his inability to do business. He was in and out of Lakeshore for years, and was a fixture on the Strip, almost always traveling on foot.

Life sure didn't give him a fair shake.

(link...)

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Moon's picture

The link

Submitted by Moon on Fri, 2016/07/08 - 8:40am.

Here is Bean's piece on Williams:

(link...)

Bbeanster's picture

Doh!!! Thanks, Moon. In my

Submitted by Bbeanster on Fri, 2016/07/08 - 9:16am.

Doh!!! Thanks, Moon.

In my haste to get the story out, I failed to link it up.

Appreciate the help!

(Doh)

Treehouse's picture

Thanks

Submitted by Treehouse on Fri, 2016/07/08 - 9:17am.

Thanks for that story.

Bill Lyons's picture

Very good story about a talented and tormented man.

Submitted by Bill Lyons on Fri, 2016/07/08 - 10:56am.

This is a very good story about a talented and tormented man. Thanks so much Betty.

cafkia's picture

I had no idea Ron was a

Submitted by cafkia on Fri, 2016/07/08 - 10:37pm.

I had no idea Ron was a veteran much less Navy, my own choice of escape. But I knew Ron. Ron recognized me but I don't think he knew me most of the times he saw me. A few minutes into a conversation at Sam & Andy's or the LongBranch or Gryphon's (not sure we ever talked there) or one of the other places that came and went on or near the Strip, and yea, then he knew who I was. But I knew him and a work or ten of his was on my list of art to purchase (along with Ali's) if I ever won the lottery. Another piece of me has been removed.

If there is any peace to be had, I sure hope Ron has found it.

Bbeanster's picture

Ron's obituary:Ron

Submitted by Bbeanster on Sun, 2016/07/10 - 9:10am.

Ron's obituary:

Ron Williams

Knoxville, TN

Ron Williams, a devoted child of God, and one of Knoxville's most brilliant artists, died June 24, 2016 in the Year of Jubilee, a time when sins are forgiven and debts wiped away. He was set free from a long struggle with congestive heart failure at Park West Medical Center. He was 69 years old. A member of the Fulton High School Class of 1964 who left school early to join the United States Navy, Ron discovered his talent for painting in early adulthood.
He specialized in Southern Highland landscapes that depicted the beauty of God's creation. Portraying nature was his way of worshiping, and collectors all over the world prize his paintings. A kind, generous and intelligent man who lived in near poverty despite his acclaim in the world of art, Ron was considered the modern successor of the Hudson Valley School of Art, whose works reflected the glory of nature.

He is the son of the late James and Kimble Williams. Ron is survived by his sister, Darlene Elaine Williams; aunt, Wanda Williams; niece, Tracie Rochester; great-niece, Jessica Bowling; her son, Levi; and many cousins.

Family and friends will meet at 1:15 p.m., Tuesday, July 12 at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Highway for a graveside service that will begin at 1:30 with full military honors conducted by the East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard. Online obituary may be viewed and condolences extended at (link...). Gifts of flowers will be accepted at Rose Mortuary, 1421 N. Broadway, Knoxville Tennessee, 37917. - See more at: (link...)

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