Joe Douglas Williams

Joe D. Williams was born July 31, 1945 to Shirley Williams and Doris Axel in Garwood, Texas. He was the second child and the only son born to this union. He attended United Methodist Church of Garwood, Texas and was baptized at an early age. Joe graduated from E.H. Henry High School in 1963 and moved to Houston in 1973 where he could in his renowned saying, “make that money!” He began working at Quality Electric Steel Casting as a Foreman and married Ella Mae McGrew. Joe was a loving father to Kelvin, Kenneth, and Sabrina and in 1979 they added Michael to the family. The strength and support Joe provided the family is evident with the growth of 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He taught his family the importance of hard work and loyalty which will endure his final day. Joe worked long hours at Quality Electric Steel Casting, but found time to complete many construction projects in and around their home at 4518 Connorvale Road—some, like the “little house” in the back yard are still standing today. One of Joe’s passions was barbequing; he could turn a fatty brisket into lean meat and he made a special barbeque sauce that was “too die for”—no pun intended. He also loved traveling to visit extended family and those trips made special by stopping for delicious hamburgers at what looked like abandoned hamburger restaurants or warm doughnuts from a small window attached to a convenience store that served as a doughnut shop. As we know, time stands still for no man, and Joe is no different. He retired from Quality Electric Steel Casting in 2010 after over 35 years of dedicated work. Impacted by Alzheimer’s during the last five years, Joe continued to enjoy spending time with family and simply relaxing outdoors in the front and back yards of the house he cherished. Sadly, he passed away at home on Tuesday, October 20, 2015. He’s preceded in death by his parents; his son Anthony James Williams; brother, James Edward; sister, Iris Woods; half-brother, Shirley Williams, Jr.; and half-sister, Mary Ann Williams. He leaves to mourn his beloved ex-wife Ella Mae Williams; son, Michael B. Williams and wife Melissa; step-sons, Kelvin D. McGrew and wife Connie, Kenneth O. McGrew and wife Ladonna; step-daughter, Sabrina L. McGrew-Carter and husband Tracy. He leaves behind two grandchildren, Mala’kai Williams and Joshua LaStrappe; and nine step-grandchildren, Ralfeal McGrew and wife Sakara, Kevin McGrew, Constance McGrew, Casiffaniey McGrew, Kyle McGrew, Shocara McGrew, Monique McMillian, Demetria McMillian, and Jamal McMillian. Also left behind is his sister Billy Ruth Axel; two half-brothers: Charles Williams and Wady Williams; and one half-sister, Doris Jones and husband Freddie; seven great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.