M. R. Williams is a full service wholesale distributor serving convenience stores, college stores, departments of correction, truck stops, drug stores and small grocery stores. Its distribution territory covers North Carolina and Virginia, as well as parts of Maryland, South Carolina and Washington, D.C. Products distributed include groceries, confections, retail and food service beverages, health & beauty care, tobacco, automotive supplies, food service products and programs, general merchandise and novelties and pre-paid cellular and phone card programs. The company was established in 1976 by Mike Williams. Williams purchased the Watkins-Sydnor Company. The acquired company had been operating since 1948 from a small 25,000 square foot warehouse in Henderson, N.C. with wooden floors and low ceiling heights. The company serves more than 1,000 customers and is listed among the largest privately held firms in North Carolina.