Willie Louis Williams

On August 31, 1931, Willie Louis Williams was born in Bay City, Texas, onto the late Meríty, Sr. (pronounced Mer-rit-tee) and Eliza Jane Caldwell Williams, which were blessed with a son, who was the sixth child of nine children, (Ardean, Merity, Jr., Ike, Austin, Harris, Annie Lou, George, Claudia) who all preceded him in death. His name was Willie, but people addressed him as Willis.

In 1940, Willis became acquainted with Rosemary Hall, who visited her aunt, in the country (Pledger) every summer. These routine visits led to them becoming longtime pen pals.

In 1943, at the age of twelve, Willis accepted Christ and he was baptized under the leadership of the late Reverend N. Bolden, who was the pastor of the Union Baptist Missionary Baptist Church, in Pledger, Texas.

In 1948, Willis graduated from Pledger High School earning his high school diploma. After graduating high school, he worked as a cowpuncher, until he enlisted in the United States Army on March 19, 1951, at the age of twenty. Prior to attending basic training, he was accustomed to being addressed as Willis, but he learned from his drill sergeant that his name was not Willis Williams, but Willie Williams. However, he answered Willie or Willis, whenever someone addressed him. While in the United States Army and during the Korea War, Willis was assigned to the 355th Transportation Company, and deployed overseas near the Russian border for approximately one year. Before being discharged on March 18, 1954, he served for three years in the United States Army and received an honorable discharged. Willis returned to the United States and making Houston his home. He was employed by the Houston Tuberculosis (TB) Laboratory. While working at the laboratory, he commenced a career in mortuary science, wherein he enrolled and took courses to become a funeral director. However, he withdrew because of family issues. After leaving mortuary science college, he was employed by Rice University, in the biology department.

On October 04, 1963, the late Reverend A. A. Lucas performed the wedding ceremony, in which Willis married Rosemary Hall at the Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church. For several years, Willie and Rosemary attended Good Hope. However, they decided to relocate their church membership to the Garden of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of late Reverend Donald G. Byrd, Sr., in 1970. During his duration with Garden of Gethsemane, Willis served as a Deacon. He also served on the finance committee. In July 2007, Willis and Rosemary rejoined and returned home to Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, which is currently under the leadership of Dr. D.Z. Cofield, Senior Pastor.

Willis attended and graduated from Houston Community College, where he attained his associate degree in criminal justice; he had numerous awards and certifications throughout his law enforcement career. On June 01, 1958, during a time of segregation, Willis commenced his law enforcement career as a special deputy constable with Harris County Constable Office-Precinct 1. He was also a reserve officer with the following law enforcement agencies: Cleveland PD, Conroe PD, Harris County Constable Office-Precinct 6, Kendleton PD, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. On July 02, 1974, Willis joined Willis PD as a police detective. On January 03, 1976, Wills joined Kendleton PD as a Captain.

On September 21, 1976, Willis became a full-time law enforcement officer with the Harris County Constable Office-Precinct 7 under the late Constable A.B. Chambers. Willis worked at Precinct 7 for over twenty years, and he held the ranks of deputy, sergeant, lieutenant, and major, wherein he concluded his law enforcement career. He was affiliated with the below listed prestigious law enforcement organizations, as well as being a member and life-time member. I.A.C.P. (International Association of Chiefs of Police) N.O.B.L.E. (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives), T.N.O.A (Texas Narcotic Officers Association), T.P.O.A. (Texas Peace Officers Association). Willis, proudest moments, were when both of his sons (Chris and Rodney) decided to follow in footsteps and pursue careers in law enforcement.

Willie “Willis” Louis Williams quietly and peacefully made his transition on August 13, 2023. He is survived by his children Diedre, and Rodney (Judy), Marie Hall (Christopher), grandchildren (Chevalia, Lamontre, Christopher, Krystal, Dawon) great grandchildren (Candence, Kantrell, Miracle, Christopher, Jr., Caleb), a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, godchildren, and friends. Willis is preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary, sons Desi Lamar and Christopher Lamont, parents, Merity and Eliza Williams.

Willis Williams is defined by how he greeted people “Every day is Sunday.” This greeting to him meant that every day from God is a blessing despite how or what he was having to endure.

Visitation will be held for Willie on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Advantage Funeral Home, 7010 Chetwood Dr. Houston, Tx 77081. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 10:00 am at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 3015 N. MacGregor Way Houston, Tx 77004. Interment will be held at 1:00 pm at Houston National Cemetery ,10410 Veteran's Memorial Dr. Houston, Tx 770038.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageHoustonFunerals.com for the Williams family.