Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Friends of the Dahlgren Trail >
      • Meet David Brickley
    • Trail History
    • Our Partners
    • Our Supporters
    • Contact Us
  • Trail Information
    • Trail Maps & Access
    • Use Permits
    • Trail Rules
    • Wildlife Sightings
  • News
    • Events
    • Newsletter
    • Mileage Club
  • How to Help
    • Trail Concept Plan & Public Comments
    • Treasure the Trail
    • Care for the Trail
    • Respect the Trail
  • DRHT Store
  • Poetry on the Trail
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Friends of the Dahlgren Trail >
      • Meet David Brickley
    • Trail History
    • Our Partners
    • Our Supporters
    • Contact Us
  • Trail Information
    • Trail Maps & Access
    • Use Permits
    • Trail Rules
    • Wildlife Sightings
  • News
    • Events
    • Newsletter
    • Mileage Club
  • How to Help
    • Trail Concept Plan & Public Comments
    • Treasure the Trail
    • Care for the Trail
    • Respect the Trail
  • DRHT Store
  • Poetry on the Trail

In memoriam: Remembering Joe Williams

8/5/2020

0 Comments

 
By Dave Jones
 
It is a sad duty to report the death of Joe Williams. A portion of his obituary reads, “Joseph L. Williams, 90, passed away at his home in King George on May 12, 2020. He was born in Bells, TN, on April 24, 1930 during the Great Depression. Growing up on a farm instilled a lifelong appreciation for the land, the outdoors and hard work. He was a graduate of the University of Tennessee and served his country in the U.S. Navy prior to a career with the International Trade Commission in Washington, DC."
Picture
For years Joe publicly served the County of King George, Virginia, as a member of the King George Planning Commission. Between 1995 – 1997, he began negotiations with CSX Transportation to purchase the abandoned 16.7-mile rail line that has become the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail. In 1997 Joe obtained a contract for purchase and wrote a letter along with the Director of Parks & Recreation to the King George Board of County Supervisors advising them that he was willing to sell the railroad property to the county for recreational purposes. The county was never able to purchase the property, but did come to recognize the high value of the trail both as a recreation venue as well as a prime attraction for visitors.  
 
The 16.7-mile railroad corridor purchase was completed in December, 1997. In 2006, Joe sold the property to David Brickley, who has rigorously protected it and actively promoted it as a recreational trail. Joe continued to support the property as a recreational trail until his death. In 2015, the Board passed a resolution of support for the trail becoming part of Caledon State Park. 
Picture
A gathering of Friends of the DRHT with Joe Williams, third from left.
 
Joe had a peaceful presence. He listened intently when people talked to him and he always had a kind but honest response. Joe looked at you when having a conversation. He made us feel comfortable around him. We respected and trusted him. People like Joe L. Williams are few and hard to find.  Joe is a deeply beautiful soul. He left us too soon.
 
He is survived by his wife, Susan, children Celia (John Herron) and Roger (Kim) and grandchildren Ella, Audrey and Ben.

Dave Jones is president emeritus of the Friends of the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail, a post he held for 14 years.

​
Click to read more of our August 2020 newsletter, On the Trail
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

    Archives

    December 2022
    November 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020

    Categories

    All
    50K
    Bike/pedestrian Bridge
    Covid 19
    Covid-19
    David Brickley
    Dogs On Leashes
    Edible Plants
    Half Marathon
    Jim Lynch
    Maryland
    Nice Bridge
    Plant Life
    President's Desk
    Rail-trails
    Rules
    Social Distancing
    Trail Etiquette
    Trail History
    Trail Run
    Trails Advocacy
    Virginia
    Virginia State Parks
    Visitors
    Warren Veazey
    Wineberry

    RSS Feed

FIND THE DAHLGREN TRAIL

Mailing address: PO Box 53, Dahlgren, VA 22448
​Please note: Use of the Dahlgren Trail requires a use permit. Please click here to request a permit.
Horseback Riding on the Dahlgren Trail is NOT permitted.
Trail disturbances? Call the King George County Sheriff's office: 540.775.2049

JOIN THE CONVERSATION


SUPPORT THE TRAIl

SIGN UP FOR Our NEWSLETTER

Proudly powered by Weebly