Funeral Services for Lester Ray Williams will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday November 23, 2019 with Wade Deforest officiating, with an interment following in Forest Park West Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 PM on Friday, November 22, 2019. Both the Visitation and the Funeral will take place at Hill Crest-Blanchard, 356 Warriner Ave., Blanchard.
Lester was born March 14, 1939 in Shreveport, LA to parents Virginia (Savell) Williams and Lester Williams and passed away In Shreveport November 18, 2019 following an extended illness.
After growing up in Cedar Grove, at the ripe age of 15, he was determined to serve his country and joined the U.S. Army and later continued service in the Army Reserve. Lester was a Master Welder, and a Supervisor, for Beaird Industries in a career that spanned over 28 years, until his first retirement. However, he then decided to work for Jacob Engineering and Fluor Daniel, as a Welding Inspector for a few more years until his ultimate retirement.
Mr. Williams was also a Master Mason. He entered the apprentice degree in 1969 and completed each the Fellowcraft degree and the Master Mason degree within a few months. He was recently presented with a 50-Year Membership Certificate from the Worshipful Master of Blanchard Lodge No. 447, and was currently serving as Chaplain.
Lester Ray also had a passion for hunting and fishing with friends and his sons; never missing the Gun Show when it rolled through town. Many would be surprised to learn he was an avid coin collector.
Lester was preceded in death by: his parents; daughter, Kimberly Carol Williams; brothers: Gerald Dwayne Williams and Delbert Williams. He is survived by: his wife Carol Yvonne Williams; daughter Renee’ Hicks and husband Ray; sons: Jerry Ray Williams, Sr. and wife Whitney, Keith Wayne Williams and wife Jeri Nicole; brothers: Jimmy Williams and wife Jan, and Eugene Williams and wife Darlene; sister, Carolyn James and husband Dennis. Lester is also survived by: his grandchildren, Rocky Hicks, Ryan Hicks, Jerry Ray Williams, Jr. and wife Katie, Kolton Williams, Kimbre’ Jones and husband Russ, Sherie’ Williams, Jaida Williams, Hailley Hicks, and Chase Hicks; and thirteen great grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be his four grandsons and Tim Jackson, Max Sharp, and Tony Phillips. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Blanchard Masonic Lodge No. 447.
He took his time; didn’t live to fast. Troubles came, but they always passed. He found a woman and he found love and did not forget, there is someone up above.
“So I recommend the enjoyment of life, for there is nothing better on earth for a person to do except to eat, drink, and enjoy life.” ~ Ecclesiastes 8:15
You may share your condolences online at www.hillcrestblanchardchapel.com.
