Rudolph Williams was born on February 16, 1925, in Laurel, Mississippi. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on November 18, 1942, and after completing basic training at NTS San Diego, California, he was trained as a Yeomen. S1C Williams first assignment was at Destroyer Base San Diego from February to October 1943, followed by service aboard the repair ship USS Ajax (AR-6) in the Pacific Theater from October 1943 to October 1945. His next assignment was with the Navy Reception Station in New Orleans, Louisiana, from December 1945 to November 1946, and then with the Navy Reception Station in Charleston, South Carolina, from November 1946 to January 1947. Y1 Williams served at Key West, Florida, from January 1947 to October 1948, and then aboard the amphibious force flagship USS Adirondack (AGC-15) from November 1948 to August 1949. His next assignments were aboard the light aircraft carrier USS Saipan (CVL-48), the destroyer USS Bordelon (DD-881), at San Diego, with Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Force, aboard the destroyer tender USS Everglades (AD-24), and with Commander Destroyer Squadron 10 at Key West. His final assignment was at NB Anacostia, Washington, D.C., where he retired from the Navy on August 1, 1962.

His Commendation for service aboard USS Everglades reads:

The award of the Destroyer Force, U.S. ATLANTIC FLEET, BATTLE EFFICIENCY PLAQUE to U.S.S. EVERGLADES (AD-24) for fiscal year 1954 reflects an outstanding performance of duty and achievement by you. U.S.S. EVERGLADES earned the PLAQUE by demonstrating, throughout the competitive year, that she was one of the most effective ships of her class in DESLANT in overall combat readiness. You are commended by the Commanding Officer, U.S.S. EVERGLADES (AD-24) for your performance of duty, in helping to achieve this award.