Ralph Williams, former president of the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States and of the Southern Jewelry Travelers Association, died on Aug. 22 at age of 65 after battling cancer.

Following Army service, Williams returned to Bainbridge, Ga., and opened Williams Jewelers. He closed the store a few years later and became a traveling salesman.

In addition to having been SJTA president, he also served on its board.

Williams is survived by his wife, Kathy (Peacock) Beall-Williams of Atlanta; two daughters, Kimberly Anne Williams and Susan Elizabeth “Libby” Brown; a step-son, Brian Chadwick Beall; and a granddaughter Ella Elizabeth Brown.

According to the Atlanta Jewelry Show, in lieu of flowers, Williams requested that donations be made to one of his favorite charities, Best Friends Animal Society & Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah.

JCK