Richard Williams III Helped His Father Run the Enterprises – Facts about Serena & Venus Williams' Brother

Richard Williams III is Serena and Venus Williams' half-brother, born to Richard Williams and his first wife. Although little is known about Richard III, he once worked for his father's enterprises and lived with his half-sisters.

Richard Williams III was born to Richard Williams and Betty J. Johnson, alongside four siblings. His parents had an eight-year age gap, with his mother as the senior. According to Richard Williams III's eldest sister, Sabrina Williams, their parents had a turbulent relationship that ended in 1973, eight years after they tied the knot.

Richard Williams III's father met and married Oracene Price a few years later. Their marriage resulted in the birth of his stepsisters, tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams.

Richard Williams III's Father Walked Out on Their Family

Richard's eldest daughter claimed he abandoned their family, leaving Betty to fend for all the kids. Two of their sons ended up behind bars in his absence, while another lived in a homeless shelter. Sabrina said:

"[Venus and Serena] know they walked right over our backs. All that money Richard should have been sending us, my mother had to work for that. Indirectly, they are where they are because of my mother's sacrifices."

During his time with his first family, Richard Williams III's father would exaggerate the truth to his children, such as his education and career. His sister recalled that their father claimed he went to UCLA and Yale and played for the Lakers.

Richard Williams III Worked for His Father's Businesses

When Richard III's father was with Oracene, he told her he had left his first wife because of alcohol and gambling. However, he was determined to provide a proper upbringing for his son, Richard III, whom he had with Betty.

Richard III also lived in his father's home for a while. At that time, he knocked on his father's house door and paved the way for Oracene to learn about her husband's previous kids. However, she welcomed Richard III into their residence.

During his adult years, Richard III worked for his father's companies, running various enterprises, including Williams & Williams, a charter bus service. Richard Williams III and his wife joined forces to make his father's enterprises profitable.

Richard Williams III's Relationship with His Father

Not much is known about Richard Williams III's relationship with his father in recent years. The older Richard is being cared for by his son, Chavoita LeSane, after suffering a stroke.

Meanwhile, Richard III's mother passed away on December 14, 1998, after a battle with cancer and other severe health issues. According to Sabrina, their mother could no longer afford treatment for cancer. Although she reached out to their father, she could not contact him.

"He had no interest whether she was dead or alive. It was utterly mind-numbing that my dad couldn't even come to my mom's funeral," she said. While Serena's other siblings may not have had the same opportunities, some live comfortably, including Venus Williams, who is thriving.

On the other hand, Serena Williams had a successful tennis career but retired early to focus on motherhood. The athlete is a proud mom to Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. and is expecting another child.