Raymond Williams Missing – Authorities in Johnston County, North Carolina, are currently working to locate 69-year-old Raymond Williams, who has been reported missing under concerning circumstances. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office is leading the search effort for the elderly man, who may be suffering from a cognitive condition that could impair his judgment or ability to care for himself.
Early Thursday morning, at approximately 2:15 a.m., the North Carolina Center for Missing Persons issued a Silver Alert for Williams. The Silver Alert system is typically activated when a person with cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or another mental health condition, goes missing. The alert is used to quickly inform the public and mobilize search efforts in hopes of locating the individual safely.
Raymond Williams was last seen walking away from a residence located at 4302 N.C. Highway 210 in Smithfield. He left the area on foot, and officials have not provided information on what direction he was heading. The circumstances surrounding his departure remain unclear, but the involvement of the Missing Persons Center suggests officials are treating the case with urgency due to the potential risk to his safety.
Williams is described as a Black male standing approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing around 220 pounds. He has short black hair and brown eyes. At the time he was last seen, he was wearing a distinctive outfit: a short-sleeve shirt with black and green stripes, green shorts, a black hat, and open-toed slide sandals. These clothing details could be critical in helping members of the public recognize him if they come across someone matching his description.
Given that Williams may have a cognitive impairment, he could be disoriented or confused, and may not ask for help or respond in a typical way. Law enforcement is urging anyone who sees someone resembling Williams, or who has any information about his possible whereabouts, to contact the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office immediately. The number to call is 919-989-5010.
The sheriff’s office has not yet released information on any leads or tips received since the alert was issued, nor have they provided updates on any search efforts currently underway. It is unclear whether search dogs, drones, or volunteer search teams have been deployed, but such methods are often used in similar cases when someone vulnerable is missing.
Local residents are encouraged to keep an eye out, particularly in neighborhoods, wooded areas, parks, or along roadways where someone traveling on foot might wander. Community members are also urged to check their home surveillance footage, outbuildings, garages, or other areas where someone might seek shelter or accidentally become trapped.
The use of Silver Alerts has become a valuable tool across North Carolina and the country in helping locate elderly or at-risk adults quickly. In many cases, alerts like these have played a key role in the safe return of individuals with mental or cognitive conditions. Time is critical in these situations, particularly when the person missing is exposed to elements or lacks access to necessary medications or support.
This incident has understandably raised concern among the Smithfield and broader Johnston County communities. When someone vulnerable like Williams goes missing, it often prompts an outpouring of support and assistance from the public, local authorities, and even nonprofit organizations that assist with search and rescue operations.
While no foul play is currently suspected, law enforcement officials continue to treat the disappearance with the highest level of concern due to Williams’ health condition. They have not indicated whether Williams has gone missing before or if he has a history of wandering, but such factors can influence the strategies employed in the search.
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office may release additional updates as more information becomes available or if there are changes in the status of the search. In the meantime, anyone with knowledge of Williams’ location or anyone who believes they may have seen him is strongly urged to act quickly and notify the authorities.
In summary, 69-year-old Raymond Williams is missing from the Smithfield area after being last seen walking away from a residence on North Carolina Highway 210. Described as a Black man, 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 220 pounds, he was last wearing a black and green striped shirt, green shorts, a black hat, and slide sandals. He may have a cognitive impairment, increasing the urgency and concern surrounding his disappearance.
The community’s cooperation is critical to ensuring his safe return. Anyone with helpful information should immediately call the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office at 919-989-5010.
