On Monday, February 2, 2026, Lafayette Journal & Courier reported that Judge Randy Williams is retiring after 17 years on the bench in Tippecanoe Superior 1. Originally from New York, Williams relocated to Lafayette for love and established a legal career spanning nearly 40 years. Upon retirement, Williams will serve as a senior judge where needed and teach at Purdue University.
Williams’s New York accent was easily noticeable in Tippecanoe Superior 1. He practiced law in Albany and Rome, New York, before meeting Shay Daley and moving to Lafayette. Daley was pursuing a master’s program in clinical psychology. They married in July ’88. Williams briefly experienced unemployment before starting as a substitute teacher.
His connection with a student, Annie Deets, led to a job at a local attorney’s office, Charles Deets, Annie’s father. He later built his career at Deets Law Firm and Ball Eggleston Law Firm. Williams and his wife bought a house and raised two children, Rachel and Sam. He also coached soccer for many years.
In 2008, Williams ran for Tippecanoe Superior 1 judge. He had previously worked there as a temporary judge. He sought his family’s consent before running for public office.
A retirement celebration was held for Williams on January 16, attended by friends, colleagues, and Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush. Steve Meyer, who is also retiring, attended the celebration. Meyer and his wife were victims of a shooting two days later.
Williams was described as a good friend and a great sounding board by Meyer. Tippecanoe County Prosecutor Pat Harrington praised Williams’s temperament and fairness. Williams set the legal standard for the high-tech crime unit’s cell-phone and electronic data.
Williams is a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees. He plans to continue teaching at Purdue University. Indiana Gov. Mike Braun appointed Kevin McDaniel to fill out his term. McDaniel had already filed to run for Tippecanoe Superior 1 judge before being appointed.
Source: Lafayette Journal & Courier
