Gary K. Williams

Gary K. Williams passed away Saturday, the 7th of March 2026 in Houston, surrounded by family. He was 79 years of age. Born in Kermit, Texas on the 2nd of September 1946, to parents, James Gordon Williams on the 2nd of September 1946, to parents James Gordon Williams and Dorothy Sunshine Jones.

Gary graduated from La Marque High School and went on to attend Lamar University, where he began shaping the foundation of a lifelong career built on hard work, craftsmanship, and dedication. During his college years, he worked as a hospital orderly at Saint Elizabeth Hospital, a role that reflected his steady, dependable nature and his willingness to help wherever he was needed.

After leaving college, Gary earned his pipefitter certification through Pipe Fitter Local Union No. 211, launching a distinguished career in the energy and construction sectors. Over time, he advanced into roles of increasing responsibility, ultimately moving into project and site management positions where he oversaw major energy projects from Alaska’s North Slope to Venezuela and across the United States. His expertise and leadership were widely respected, contributing to the success of numerous prominent companies, including PCL, Shaw Stone & Webster, KADCO, Howe-Baker, Conoco, and Kiewit Industries.

Gary’s love of building extended far beyond his professional life. At home, he was always immersed in a project and always fixing, designing, improving, or creating something useful with his hands. He found great joy in passing these skills along to the next generations, teaching his daughters and grandchildren not only how to build and repair, but how to think through challenges, approach problems with patience, and take pride in a job well done.

A lifelong lover of the outdoors, Gary found his greatest peace surrounded by nature, whether feeling the sun on his face, listening to the wind through the trees, or spending quiet moments by the water. Animals were naturally drawn to his gentle spirit. He became known in the family for his tenderhearted rescues, carefully catching frightened bunnies to bring them to safety, patiently freeing tiny hummingbirds that found themselves in trouble or rescuing turtles off the roads. His compassion extended to all living things, and he treated every creature with kindness.

Gary also had a deep appreciation for the freedom of the open road. He lit up at the sound of a Corvette engine and cherished the unmistakable rumble of his many Harley Davidsons, symbols of adventure that matched the way he embraced life—with enthusiasm, independence, and a fearless love for the journey.

Gary and his wife, Brenda, spent many years traveling for construction projects, always bringing along their beloved companions, Lionel and Tibet. Wherever they lived, they created a welcoming home and embraced each new place as an adventure. Their time in Venezuela was especially memorable, as they fell in love with the local culture and spent nearly every weekend on the ocean. In June 2014, they chose to retire in Port Lavaca, Texas—a place selected with love, purpose, and the desire to be close to family.

He cherished the quiet rhythm of his days, often spending hours in his barn tinkering with building or repair projects, always finding satisfaction in creating or fixing something. Evenings were reserved for peace and reflection, sitting together on the front porch as they watched the local wildlife wander by. These simple moments—filled with nature, companionship, and contentment—became some of their most treasured memories.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and a friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be deeply missed by his wife, daughters, and grandchildren, who cherished his steady presence and unwavering love. He leaves behind a legacy built on the principles he lived by every day which are hard work, integrity, and a sincere commitment to helping others.

His love for his country and his commitment to serving others were evident in everything he did. Nothing made him prouder than seeing his two grandsons follow a similar path of service by choosing to join the United States military—one in the Navy and the other in the Army. Their dedication brought him immense pride, and he spoke often of their courage, honor, and willingness to serve their nation.

Gary was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Brenda Gaye Williams; daughter Wendy Allen and her husband Kyle of Houston, Jennifer Figley and husband Steve, of Houston; grandchildren, Joshua Michalec (Hanna), Nicholas Dalinis, Samantha Dalinis and bonus grand-children Merritt Mecom, Lilah Mecom, Wyatt Mecom, Phillip Figley, Nick Figley; great-grandson, John Michalec. He is also survived by his sisters, Donna Strickland, Martha Williams, and brother Lee Williams.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mr. Williams is to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 14th of March, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Gary’s memory may be directed to Bayside Community Church Building Fund, 25080 Highway 172, Port Lavaca, Texas 77979 or via the link below under the ‘Donations’ section.

We invite you to take a few moments to share memories and words of comfort and condolence with his family by selecting the ‘Add a Memory’ icon below under the ‘Show your Support’ section.