Victor Williams Jr., a prominent figure in the Patrick County and Martinsville communities, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at SOVAH Health in Martinsville. He was 70 years old.
Williams was known for his unwavering commitment to service, spanning decades in healthcare, local government, and community volunteerism. His legacy includes significant contributions to the Jeb Stuart Volunteer Rescue Squad, local healthcare facilities, and the Town of Stuart, where he served as mayor from 1986 to 1988.
A 30-year lifetime member of the Jeb Stuart Volunteer Rescue Squad, Williams was certified in Advanced Life Support/EMT-Shock Trauma and Cardiac Tech. Derek Wagner, president of the rescue squad, highlighted Williams’ dedication and leadership.
“I think what I will remember most about Victor is he was a caring person, easy to talk to. He sure helped Jeb out through some tough times with his business knowledge and wisdom,” Wagner said.
Though his call activity decreased in recent years due to health challenges, Williams continued to support the squad as vice president and, in 2024, began serving as president. Wagner emphasized Williams’ passion for doing things right and his desire to see others succeed.
“If he was going to do something, he wanted to do it right. He’s definitely going to be missed, and he was a friend to most of us down there,” Wagner said.
Fellow squad member Galen Gilbert praised Williams’ thoughtful approach and problem-solving abilities.
“He knew his stuff, he was a good provider, and very reasonable about everything. You could bounce all the questions off of him, and he would go through all of them and figure it out,” Gilbert said.
Williams was instrumental in advancing healthcare in the region. As president and CEO of The Landmark Group until his retirement in 2019, he played a key role in constructing and operating facilities like the Blue Ridge Nursing Center, Blue Ridge Therapy Connection, and Highland Ridge Health and Rehab Center.
He held licenses as a Nursing Home Administrator, Assisted Living Administrator, and Preceptor, and he served on numerous boards and committees with the Virginia Health Care Association.
A devoted supporter of education, Williams served on the Patrick & Henry College Board of Directors and volunteered as an athletic trainer for Patrick County High School (PCHS) sports programs. He regularly attended sports medicine conferences at the University of Virginia to enhance his knowledge.
Lester Harrell, a fellow Jeb Stuart member, recalled Williams’ unwavering support for others.
“If he thought that you had value or considered you a friend, Victor would give you the shirt off of his back,” Harrell said.
Harrell also fondly remembered Williams’ stories about growing up with his family and their adventures with various animals, including a chimpanzee.
“They had a chimpanzee for years. He used to talk about their interactions with it and how it would wrestle them down. It was just unbelievable, but I believe every (story) was true,” Harrell said.
In addition to serving as Stuart’s mayor, Williams received numerous accolades for his service, including the 2009 Patrick County High School Community Service Award and the 2013 DAR Community Service Award.
Former Stuart Town Manager Terry Tilley described Williams as a thoughtful and intelligent leader.
“I really enjoyed working with him. I worked with him a couple of years, three years, and been knowing the family for about 40-something years. All of them were good young men, and all friends,” Tilley said.
Dean Goad, a former Stuart council member, said Williams did a very good job in the role.
“They didn’t have as much to work with budget wise when Victor was there. But he served well, and he was a nice fella. He did a good job while he was on there,” Goad said.
Born on November 3, 1954, at Martinsville Hospital, Williams was a graduate of Patrick County High School and Carson-Newman College, where he played football as a defensive lineman. He was a member of Stuart Presbyterian Church and a lifelong learner who enjoyed reading on diverse topics.
