On Saturday, December 12, 2009, Fairview lost its first and current mayor, Richard Ephraim Williams. The only mention of his death in either The Charlotte Observer or The Enquirer Journal was in the Obituaries section of each paper. So few words to describe the service that he has given to his community and to the development of the Town of Fairview!

Richard served the Fairview community for many years as a volunteer fireman, giving his time and energy to the community he loved. As development in Union County began to explode, he saw the need for the Community of Fairview to incorporate as a Town. The incorporation process began in 1998, and Richard was a large part of this grassroots effort. In September 2001, we won the right to have a referendum, and in 2002, the community voted overwhelmingly to become a Town. Richard first served as the interim mayor until our first municipal election and has repeatedly been re-elected as Mayor of Fairview.

There are no words to express the sorrow that the Town Council of Fairview feels at this time. The empty seat at the Council table and the silence of his voice will be a reminder of not only our loss but also Fairview’s loss. Our deepest sympathies are extended to Richard’s family and especially to his son Jon. If a good life is defined as being of service to others, then Richard epitomized a good life, and it is our hope that his service to our Town will be an inspiration to others to be of service.

Elizabeth B. Long
Mayor Pro Tem