Richard Williams Was Left Distraught after Death of Serena’s Sister

Venus and Serena Williams are known worldwide for their tennis prowess and close sibling bond. However, they had another sister, who sadly lost her life this past week. Her funeral service was attended by many, but not her stepfather.

Yetunde Price, Venus and Serena’s 31-year-old sister, was gunned down in the neighborhood where she grew up. She was with her boyfriend at the time but was only buried five days after the incident.

Yetunde Price during 2003 ESPY Awards – Press Room at Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California, United States | Source: Getty Images

Her stepfather, Richard Williams, confessed that he waited outside her funeral service as he did not feel strong enough to enter the building. Talking about the ordeal, Williams confessed:

“I wouldn’t go in because I thought it would be too much for my heart. I stayed outside until it was over with. I’m not going through this, okay. It’s just too difficult. I don’t think I’ll ever recover from this.”

Unlike their father, Price’s siblings were in attendance for the funeral service, but Williams said he could see the anguish in his children’s faces at the loss of their beloved sister. After the service, Williams returned to the place where his stepdaughter was slain.

Richard Williams is seen at the Sony Open Tennis tournament at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 29, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida | Source: Getty images

He said he wanted to return to Compton, where Price was shot, to gain some closure. However, he acknowledged that he would never fully gain closure. A man named Aaron Michael Hammer has been charged with Price’s murder.

Richard Williams Is a Caring Grandfather

Williams, who has been dubbed “King Richard,” shares a special grandson with his children and grandchildren. He is not often seen out with them, but his daughters have exhibited the bond he shares with their children on their social media pages.

Serena took to Instagram to share a video of her father and her daughter, Alexis Olympia. The tennis star said the footage was rare, but her father was motivating her daughter. She also called him by nickname and clarified that she calls him “daddy.”

Serena and her sister have also teamed up with Will Smith to produce a movie about their father’s life, which will be called “King Richard.” Talking about her father and why she is excited to share his story, Serena said:

“He’s always thinking on a different level. Even now, he is always thinking five steps above everyone else. There would be no Venus and Serena if it wasn’t for Richard.”

Richard Williams, father of Venus Williams, watches as she competes against Anna Chakvetadze of Russia during the Day 5 match of the Acura Classic at the La Costa Resort and Spa August 3, 2007 in Carlsbad, California | Source: Getty Images

Williams has stayed lowkey since 2016 following health issues but made a comeback encouraging his granddaughter to learn to ride her bicycle. Serena said he motivated her and her sister and is now doing so with his granddaughter.

Richard Williams Bonds with His Grandkids Despite Health Problems

In 2020, it was revealed that Williams was suffering from dementia. He suffered two strokes which left irreparable damage to his brain. However, he has not let that stop him from living a full life with his family.

Richard Williams, center, with his daughters Venus, left, and Serena 1991 in Compton, CA. | Source: Getty Images

His health struggles were laid bare in court after his ex-wife tried to get a share of his estate and forged his signature to do so. However, it was proven that she forged the signatures as Williams was not physically or mentally able to do so.

Despite his health concerns, he has continued to spend time with his family and build close bonds with his grandchildren. This includes the bond he has built with little Alexis, showcased in the Instagram video by Serena.