H. R. Williams

Howard R. Williams Jr., 71, and a resident of St. Gabriel, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2009, at Baton Rouge General Medical Center-Bluebonnet. He was a lifelong cattleman and Brahman cattle breeder. He retired from Asbestos Local 53 and was a parishioner of St. Gabriel Catholic Church. H.R. was a member of the Louisiana Cattleman's Association, American Brahman Breeders Association, Louisiana Brahman Association, where he served on the board of directors, a gold card member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, member of Knights of Columbus and past grand knight of Council 3796. Survived by his wife of 52 years, Joyce Benoit Williams; daughters, Kandi Willard and husband Mark, and Kelli Firmin and husband Mike; and grandchildren, Clay, Kayla, Ryan and Rebecca Espey. H.R. was preceded in death by a son, Howard "Howie" R. Williams III; and parents, Inez A. Williams Funderburk and Howard R. Williams Sr. Visiting at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3625 La. 75, St. Gabriel, on Wednesday, July 15, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visiting at the church on Thursday from 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., with his classmate, Monsignor Robert Berggreen, celebrant. Interment in the church cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.