Retired Stafford County Sheriff Ralph M. Williams, 69, of Falmouth, died Thursday, July 5, 2012, at Mary Washington Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Mr. Williams worked for the Stafford County Sheriff's Office for 28 years, rising through the ranks as a patrol deputy, detective, captain of the Field Operations Division and captain of the Criminal Investigations Division. He was also a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy and the Virginia Forensics Science Academy. He culminated his law enforcement career when he was elected sheriff of Stafford County in 1990. Sheriff Williams served from 1990 until his retirement in 1999.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Connie B. Williams; two sons, Matthew B. Williams and wife Malika, and Scott Williams and wife Paula, all of Stafford; granddaughter Sydney Williams of Stafford; grandson Andrew Williams of Stafford; brother Edward L. Williams and wife Helen of Dunnsville; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 9, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg.

A service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 10, at Vision Community Church (formerly known as Friendship Baptist Church) at 410 Deacon Road, with the Rev. Jack A. Marcom Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, N.Y. 10018.

Online guest book is at covenantfuneralservice.com.