Fred Richard Williams

Born October 12, l9l8, in Anderson, Texas, Grimes County, Fred graduated from Navasota High School in 1936. He then attended South Texas School of Commerce in Houston. He married his beloved wife, Iris Eileen Schmidt Williams, on June 8, l94l.

Fred served in the European Theater during World War II as Troop Commander of the Headquarters Unit of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in London, England, and later as Chief Personnel Officer (PERSO) in Paris, France. He was honorably discharged from the Army in April, l953, with a rank of Major Cavalry USAR.

Mr. Williams was a valued employee of Suniland Furniture Co. of Houston, Texas, from l941 until his retirement in l983. He retired as Secretary-Treasurer and Manager of the Commercial Division after 42 years.

The family joined and became active members of Second Presbyterian Church in 1950 and changed their membership to St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church in l960. There Fred served on numerous church committees as well as Deacon then Elder. He was active in Boy Scouts of America where he received the Order of the Arrow award. He was also active in Rotary Club and other civic organizations.

Fred and Iris were graced with a 60th wedding anniversary on June 8, 2001, with all children and grandchildren present and again had all family present for their 90th birthdays just two years ago.

He is survived by his son, Fred R. (Rick) Williams, Jr. and wife, Julianne Newton; daughter, Pamela Williams Bunderson and husband, Steve Bunderson; son, Mark Kelley Williams and wife, Tina Zenker Williams; and grandchildren: Christopher Bunderson; Joshua Williams and wife, Bryn; Kate Williams Waitzkin and husband, Graeme; Shawn Bunderson and wife, Alicia,; Amanda Bunderson Peterson and husband, Jeremy Peterson; and step-grandson, Matthew Newton. He was also survived by six great-grandchildren: Bailey, Beau, and Channing Peterson, Morgan Bunderson, Miles Waitzkin, and Sage Williams. He was preceded in death by his wife, one sister, and three brothers.

Friends are invited for visitation with the family at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, 8915 Timberside, Houston, Texas at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 4, 2010. The funeral will follow at 2:00.

Private family service will be at Glenwood Cemetery, Houston, Texas.

Pall Bearers: Joshua Williams, Christopher Bunderson, Shawn Bunderson, Matthew Newton, and Graeme Waitzkin.

Memorials may be sent in lieu of flowers to St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church or the American Heart Association.