Albert Ray Williams

Albert Ray Williams, Sr. was born May 14, 1942, in Dallas, Texas. Affectionately known as "Ray".

At the age of sixteen, Ray accepted Christ and was baptized with the Holy Spirit at Lighthouse Church of God in Christ, under the Pastorship of Elder Edward Calloway. Ray was an active and faithful member of Lighthouse until his health began to decline, although his heart was always present.

Ray received his Bachelor of Science in 1964 from Bishop College. He continued his studies at East Texas State University, where he received his Master of Science in 1974. However, during his studies, he began his career in education as a teacher at O.W. Holmes Elementary School in 1965. After completing his master's, he served as the Superintendent of Oak Cliff Christian School from 1974 to 1988. During his time as an educator, he received awards including "Most Loyal Teacher" and "Outstanding Contribution to Education and Society" from O.W. Holmes in 1965 and 1979, respectively, and the "Positive Image Award" from the Oak Cliff Special Education Center in 1989. Alongside his career in education, Albert served as a member of several national professional and social organizations; he was also the long-standing Superintendent of the Lighthouse Church of God in Christ's Sunday School.

Ray enjoyed teaching, singing for others, learning about history, reading poetry, eating a good meal, and watching his beloved Cowboys after church on Sundays. Although tall in stature, Ray will be remembered as a quiet, humble man, with a distinctive laugh, always appreciative of any goodness shown, and a shining example of God's grace.

On Monday, March 2, 2026, Albert Ray Williams, Sr. entered into his eternal home of Glory. Ray was welcomed by his parents, Frank and Elna Williams; two sisters, Loretta Ann Biggins (Betty) and Frankie L. Silmon; one brother, Nathaniel Williams, Sr. and bonus daughter, Teresa Y. Martin.

To cherish his memory, Ray leaves behind his devoted wife of 47 years, Mary Pearl Vance Williams; his children, Albert Ray Williams, Jr (Tonnette), Tamera Lynn Wokomah; bonus children, Paula Sullivan (Clifton), Bobby Vance, Jr. (Kimberly), and Tiffany Vance Murphy (Robert); twelve grandchildren; and thirteen bonus great-grandchildren. He will also be remembered by numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and a host of extended family and friends.