Richard G. Williams, Jr., is a seventh-generation Virginian who lives with his family in Stuart's Draft in the Shenandoah Valley. In addition to his writing career, he also served in the government of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Williams has been awarded several honors, most notably the Distinguished Service Award by the Virginia Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans; the Jefferson Davis Historical Gold Medal by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, and the Robert E. Lee Appreciation Award by the Kappa Alpha Order.