David Lewis Williams

David Lewis Williams, 75, of Temple died Saturday in a Temple hospital. Memorial services will be held 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church of Temple with Rev. Tom Robbins and Rev. Hubert Austin officiating. David was born January 4, 1935 to Maggie and Bryan Williams in Marshall, Texas. Growing up in Marshall, he enjoyed playing high school football, graduating from Marshall High School in 1952. Upon graduation, David attended Texas A&M University on a football scholarship; he graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor's in Business Administration: Business Products Management Specialization. In December of his senior year at Texas A&M, he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Smith. She remained the love of his life until the end. David and Nancy raised their children in Marshall, Texas where David was active in First United Methodist Church. He served on the Board of Stewards for several years. Through the church, David supported the Boy Scouts of America by working with the scout leaders at First Methodist. David worked as a contractor in highway and heavy construction for many years. He formed his own company, D.L. Williams Contractors. Even after he sold his business, David continued to work in the construction field, working for Cohen Brothers Construction in Dallas, Texas; Cobb Industries and EnDeCo in Marshall, Texas. David and his entire family participated in countless chili cook-offs across the statefrom his wife's competitions in Luckenbach to his entries in regional competitions. David earned his way to the finals at the State Fair of Texas. Logging thousands of miles, David enjoyed taking family vacations in their motor home. David's love for Texas history followed the path laid by his father, who taught Texas History. David felt Texas had so much to offer in history and culture, their trips focused on Texas' historical sites and places of natural beauty. He and his wife moved to Temple in 1999; he worked at Earthscapes, a landscaping business and garden center owned by his daughter and son-in-law. While living in Temple, David and his wife were active members at First United Methodist Church. David sang in the choir as long as he was able. Both David and Nancy found great comfort in this community of Faith. David is preceded in death by his mother and father, Bryan and Maggie Williams and his brother Bryan Williams, M.D. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy; children: Tommy and wife Marsha, of The Woodlands, grandson Paul and wife Michelle and Mark Williams, of Houston. Daughter Kay and husband Mike Lynch of Temple and their two children Claire and Philip. Son Danny Williams and wife Margaret and their children Mary and David of Bedford. Daughter Laura and husband Leroy Sheppard, their children Jarrod, Allison and Matt, of Marshall, Texas. Son Edward of Kilgore, Texas. Sister Margaret Ann Jones and husband Milton of Jefferson. David has countless nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Temple, 102 N. 2nd Street, Temple, Texas 76501.