Dr. George W. Williams

“Every good and perfect gift comes from above…” James 1:17

God blessed the world with a gift when He gave us Dr. George Wendell Williams on January 26, 1980. George was born in the small town of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, a beautiful suburban community located south of Minneapolis to George and Cherrie Smith Williams. He had the joy of spending his earliest years in the snow of the Midwest and at the age of three years old, he and his family relocated to Houston, Texas where he experienced the joys of childhood adventures in the sun.

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth…” Ecclesiastes 12:1

George had a love for the Lord since he was a young boy. He was just 6 years old when he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. He became a member of the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church where he was baptized March 23, 1986 by his pastor the late Rev. C.G. Wilkins. It was from that time on George would serve the Lord with gladness in any and every capacity afforded him. However, the gift of playing the piano was tapped after he took piano lessons from Mrs. Karen Blanton for only 6 months. He became the Sunday School pianist and would eventually direct the Youth and Senior Choirs. George’s gift and love for music was obvious and he played, sang, composed, directed and did all things music until the Lord called him home. In 2012, after returning to Houston, George was ordained as a deacon at Pilgrim Rest.

When Dr. Williams was a young boy he was fascinated by science. He was so inquisitive he would read and work to make sure that he understood the “how” and “why” of everything. It was this most pure level of curiosity that initially led him to an interest

in aeronautical engineering. He even thought that he might one day become an astronaut, so George took it upon himself to buy used science books from the Houston Public Library with his allowance and then binge watch Star Trek to better understand the multiplicity of scientific concepts that might be helpful for an astronaut. However, while in middle school, God shifted his interest to medicine. This undeniable calling to serve the sick would become his life’s mission.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” Matthew 6:33

George’s drive to become the best physician possible led him to apply and be accepted to the esteemed Michael E. Debakey High School for Health Professions. It was there, where he also became acquainted with Miss Erin Scott, a classmate who would later become his wife. George was a superstar while at DeBakey, always wearing his “Personal Best” pin that was given to him by the late principal Dr. Charlesetta Deason. While in high school he was a ray of sunshine to all he encountered. In fact, at graduation he won most of the awards which included: “Best Smile”, “Best Personality”, “The Friendliest”, “Best Singer”, and last but not least “The Best Overall”. He graduated as a member of the class of 1997. Upon graduating from DeBakey he was blessed to receive scholarships from institutions all over the country; however, it was the providential full eight-year scholarship to the University of Houston and Baylor College of Medicine in the prestigious Honors Pre-Medical Academy (UH/BCM Honors Pre-Medical Academy) that served as the launching pad to allow George to not only thrive academically, but to soar.

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” Colossians 3:23

While at the University of Houston, Dr. Williams served in many administrative roles such as Student Government Senator, President of the African American Pre-Health Organization, teaching assistant for Physics and Calculus courses, and Information Technology director for the Scholar Enrichment Program (a program that focused on the successful academic journey for Pre-medical students and Engineering students). George also “joyfully” served as a musician for the famed Good News Gospel Choir. In Spring 2001, as the ‘Ace’ also known as‘Britanika’, George and ten of his line brothers, the “11 Krimson Kuts of the Diamond”, became members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Eta Lambda Chapter, also known as the “World Famous Space City Nupes.”

“I am my beloved and my beloved is mine…” Song of Solomon 6:3

After meeting in high school, George and Erin became best friends throughout college, fell in love and were engaged in medical school. They were united in holy matrimony December 27, 2003 and shared a God ordained love story until George’s very last breath. From this sacred union three beautiful children were gifted: Eden Reese, EmeriAlexia, and Gabriel Jameson.

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” 1Corinthians 10:31

After college, Dr. Williams attended Baylor College of Medicine where he was director of the clinical skills course, a representative in student government, and served as the class videographer for his medical school lectures. He also completed special additional training that allowed him to focus on the care of the medically underserved population in the city of Houston. George was always grateful to accomplish his dream of becoming a physician. Remarkably, he was the first African American male to successfully complete the DeBakey/UH/BCM Honors Pre-Medical Academy, but he was most appreciative that he was able to meet Dr. DeBakey and personally thank him for creating the scholarship that made obtaining his medical doctorate a reality.

Following completion of medical school George and Erin “matched” in their “first choice” residency program and relocated to Cleveland, Ohio to complete their residency in Anesthesiology at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine/ University Hospitals of Cleveland. It was there that Dr. Williams became the first African American Chief Resident in the history of the Department of Anesthesiology. After residency, he went on to complete a fellowship in Critical Care Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. During his time as a resident and fellow he also served as the Youth Choir Director for the East Mount Zion Baptist Church in Cleveland, OH under the late Rev. Dr. A. Charles Bowie.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way” Psalm 37:23

After training in 2010, Dr. Williams was recruited to come to the University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston to start an Anesthesiology Critical Care Division and Fellowship. Dr. Williams was board certified in General Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, Neurocritical Care, and Critical Care Echocardiography. With his dedication and unquenchable passion for medical education, Dr. Williams formed the largest Anesthesiology Critical Care Fellowship in the state of Texas and served as the Vice Chair for Critical Care Medicine and Professor of Anesthesiology at University of Texas McGovern Medical School. During this time, Dr. Williams cared for patients in the Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Trauma ICU at Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. He was later appointed as the inaugural Medical Co-Director of a newly constructed Surgical ICU at the Lyndon B. Johnson hospital of Harris Health in order to better care for the underserved population in our city. He also helped design and served as the inaugural medical director for the donor specialty care unit at Memorial Hermann Hospital - Texas Medical Center. Dr. Williams published several medical manuscripts, was the Lung Disease section editor for the Society of Critical Care Medicine Multi-Professional Critical Care Review, created the first Anesthesiology Critical Care Board review book in the United States and co-created a the Basic Anesthesiology Examination Review (BAER) book with the love of his life, Dr. Erin Williams.

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up” James 4:10

Dr. Williams served as the President of the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists 2022-2023, a Board member of the Harris County Medical Society (HCMS), and as the Vice-Chair of the Building and Standards Commission of the City of Bellaire, Texas. He was also a member and leader in many medical organizations such as the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), serving as Chair for the committee on Critical Care and Alternate Director for Texas for the Board of Directors, American Medical Association (AMA), Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), and Texas Medical Association (TMA). Because of his strong passion for service, he enjoyed empowering and educating patients and presented regularly at church health fairs throughout Houston. Dr. Williams was also often found in the community encouraging middle school, high school, and college students to pursue a career in medicine. He was a mentor for countless medical students, residents, fellows, and colleagues, and will forever be remembered.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding” Proverbs 3:5

In the midst of his work, Dr. Williams thoroughly enjoyed serving in his beloved Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, under Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, where he was a Trustee and member of the Music and Fine Arts Ministry. He found joy in participating in the Christmas and Resurrection Day Productions and playing with the band. He would often state that playing the piano was never work; it gave him joy indescribable that always made him feel better. Spending time with his wife and soulmate Erin, and their three beautiful children Eden, Emeri and Gabriel, meant the world to him. With a true servant’s heart, George was blessed to be in training as a Wheeler Avenue Deacon. The WABC Diaconate honored him during their Deacon Ordination August 31, 2025. Dr. Williams frequently stated that he would not have made it to where he was without the Lord guiding and protecting him.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be no more pain…” Revelation 21:4

Dr. George Williams lived his life in complete submission to Jesus. He worked daily to be a vessel of the Lord, and on August 28, 2025, he was called to his heavenly home, surrounded by his wife, children, and dear extended family. He is preceded in death by his grandfather, James Williams; his grandmother, Exie Williams; and his mother-in-love Marilyn Barnes-Clay. His wife, Erin, and children, Eden Reese, Emeri Alexia, and Gabriel Jameson, will cherish his memory and continue his legacy as they await that heavenly reunion when they meet the Savior face-to-face. Just as so many loved George, he genuinely loved them back. George’s light and spirit of joy will likewise be cherished by his parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, church members, colleagues, students, neighbors, and friends.

Well done George, thy good and faithful servant!