Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1961, Dr. Williams is a US Army combat veteran with 22 years service time. During his service career he held various leadership positions, such as, platoon leader, company commander, battalion and squadron commanders, and a number of staff positions.

Dr. Williams served one tour in Korea, two tours of duty in Vietnam covering 7 major campaigns, and engaged in numerous heavy ground operations including the 1968 Tet Offensive. In his second Vietnam tour he was assigned to the

11th Armored Cavalry Regiment as a Provisional Squadron Commander, and later as Deputy Commander of the last Squadron of the Regiment left in Vietnam.

During his service Dr. Williams has been awarded the Legion of Merit; 6 Bronze Stars, with Valor devices; 7 Air Medals, with Valor devices; 4 Commendation Medals, with Valor device; 3 Meritorious Service Medals; VN Gallantry Cross for Valor; VN Honor Medal 1st Class and a number of other awards and honors.

A graduate of a number of US Army and Defense schools, to include the National Defense College and the prestigious Project Management Course at the Defense Systems Management College, while in service Dr. Williams also completed two Masters Degrees and a Doctorate in Management and Public Administration.

As a Project Manager of more than one developing system in the US Army, Dr. Williams gained first hand experience in managing complex organizations, joint military groups, and multi-million dollar budgets.

Additionally, from 1977 to 1980 Dr. Williams served as the TRADOC Officer in the U.K. responsible for all US Army Operational, Research & Development, and Training issues coordinating with the highest levels of government, military, and other foreign country representation.

After retiring from the Army, Dr. Williams started and later sold a telecommunication company, then began a career in consulting with the defense industry and business community, and later served as the Finance Director for the State of Alabama in 1995 and 1996; a Trustee at the University of North Alabama (UNA); a Director of the UNA Foundation from 2002 to Present; a Republican candidate for Governor of Alabama in 1998; and District Governor of Rotary District 6860 (Northern Alabama) from 2001 to 2002, and currently serving in that role for 2012-2013

He and his wife, Ramsey, are active lay leaders in Whitesburg Baptist Church. They have five boys and 13 grandchildren. Three of their sons are licensed ministers.