Joseph Maury Williams

The world lost a shining light with the passing of longtime Baytown resident Joseph Maury Williams, 87. With his wife, Nell, at his side, he moved peacefully from his earthly residence into the loving arms of his Creator on Thursday, May 21, 2015.

Joe was born to Horace Whaling Williams and Agnes Vaughn Williams on September 17, 1927, in Memphis, Tenn. Shortly after his birth, the family moved Nashville, Tenn. where he lived until moving to Baytown in 1949.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and step-daughter, Shirley Roberds. He is survived by his wife, Ima Vernell Golden Williams of Baytown, daughter Janine Williams of Baytown, step-daughters Roxanna Booth of Houston, Barbara Morgan of Baytown, Linda Horton and husband Lannie of Eureka Springs, Ark., and Denise Garcia and husband Louis also of Baytown; 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Williams and brother Horace Williams, both of Nashville, Tenn., along with several nieces and nephews.

Joe was born into the Methodist faith – his father was a Methodist missionary who traveled worldwide while his mother maintained a stable home for their three children in Nashville during the school year. Summers were often spent wherever their father was ministering at the time. In Nashville, they were members of Belmont Methodist Church. Upon moving to Baytown, Joe joined St. Marks United Methodist Church where he served as deacon, taught study classes and regularly attended Sunday services for as long as he was physically able, giving generously along the way of his time, talent and financial support. He and Nell were also active members of Chireno United Methodist Church in Nacogdoches County where they lived for a number of years while still maintaining their Baytown home.

Over the course of his life, whatever he undertook was done wholeheartedly, including that as cheerleader for the state championship basketball team at West End High School in Nashville. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1945, was honorably discharged in 1946 as Seaman First Class and immediately enrolled in Vanderbilt University where he was a member of Tau Beta Pi, the honorary engineering fraternity. He graduated in 1949 with a bachelor of chemical engineering degree, having made the highest GPA in chemical engineering ever made at Vanderbilt – a title he held for many years.

That same year he was recruited by Baytown’s Humble Oil and Refining Company (Exxon). During that time, he was recognized on several occasions for achievements which included development of a new technique utilizing less complex testing procedures for assessment of catalytic cracking feedstock hydrotreater performance. In 1982, he and a co-worker received the refinery’s third annual Outstanding Technical Achievement Award for their development of an economical method for removing saltwater from process gas oil. He was acknowledged in Exxon worldwide as an authority in the field of catalytic cracking correlations and economics. At his retirement in 1986, it was said he knew more about the company’s cracking unit than anyone else.

As much as Joe enjoyed his work, he gladly took early retirement to spend as much time as possible with Nell whom he married in 1973 after they met at square-dance classes. Their infectious enthusiasm for dancing soon pulled several daughters and their spouses onto the floor when the call came to “circle up”. Hiking, camping, birdwatching, fishing and travel filled their days when they weren’t relaxing at their Etoile lakehouse located on the banks of Sam Rayburn Lake.

But Joe had another passion – softball, a game he played “until his glove no longer reached the ground” at age 82. His early years at the refinery found him on the field as often as possible with the company’s inter-departmental Hot Water League, sometimes as catcher with the Slipstick Artists or having the highest batting average, .615, with the season-winning Main Office team. In retirement, his playing for Senior Softball USA allowed him and Nell to travel the world, playing in such locations as Japan, New Zealand, Italy, England, Germany, Holland, France and Spain. His tolerant, gentle spirit made Joe one of this country’s best goodwill ambassadors.

He was a true example of the Christian spirit, humble, loving and forgiving, never boasting of his accomplishments, always finding the good in others, never condemning or faultfinding either in public or in his home. He loved working with young people, spending untold hours tutoring students in math and the sciences and mentoring others who needed guidance. He volunteered as a Scout Leader and was instrumental in introducing Little League to Baytown. He was an early coach to many teams.

As a single father to his much loved daughter Janine, he happily took on the role of stepfather to Nell’s five daughters. Shortly after their marriage, St. Mark’s held a father-daughter banquet where he received a standing ovation when he introduced all six daughters as his own. Joe will indeed be missed by all.

Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Earthman Funeral Home, 3919 Garth Road. Funeral services will be held at St. Marks United Methodist Church, 3811 N. Main, Thursday, May 28, at 2 p.m. with Rev. Farrah Bentley of Chireno United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarcrest Cemetery, 3010 Ferry Rd.

Pallbearers will be members of his family: James Booth, Gary Young, Jr., Morgan Young, Jason Roberds, Chris Young, and Louis Garcia.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers who provided loving assistance to Joe through his long battle with Alzheimers, particularly his granddaughter Paula Ficklin, and Lucy Sanchez and Stephanie Satterfield as well as Harbor Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimers Association.