Kemper Sam Williams Jr.

Kemper Sam Williams, Jr., died Thursday, April 30, 2015 at the age of 83. He was born May 21, 1931 in Victoria to Kemper Stoner Williams and Genevieve Sitterle Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 59 years, Patricia Tuttle Williams and his brother, Dennis Williams.

He was a 1948 graduate of St. Joseph High School and obtained his law degree at St. Mary's University. He was a captain in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and served many years in the Army Reserves. He was mayor of the city of Victoria from 1963 to 1973 and served several terms as President of the Texas Municipal League. He was active in many organizations including the Victoria Jaycees, Salvation Army, Military Order of the World Wars, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Victoria Civic Chorus and OLV choir. He had a popular radio show on AM 1340 in the 90's.

He is survived by his daughters Cecilia Allison (Robert), Mary Tinsley (Steve), Jane Newton (Charles) son, Kemper Stephen Williams (Doreen), 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren (and counting) and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Williams family would like to acknowledge Shirley Melvin and offer special thanks for her 49 years of dedicated service as Kemper’s secretary. The family would also like to thank Mrs. Pood Wheeler, Stephanne Williams, Hospice, and Caring Senior Services for their help and support.

A Rosary will be recited at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral at 9:20 am on Monday, May 4, 2015. Funeral mass will follow at 10:00 am, Rev. Gary Janak officiating. Burial will take place at a later date.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Sam Pratt, Charlie Pratt, Will Pratt, Gabe Tinsley, Caleb Tinsley, Klaus Tinsley, Chip Newton, Mark Newton, Kemper Williams IV and John Williams. Honorary pallbearers will be Rob Williams, Andy Tuttle, Judge Robert Cheshire, Elliott Costas, the Ramsey's Counter-Culture coffee group and Wednesday Happy Hour.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the St. Joseph High School Class of '48 endowment, Hospice, Salvation Army or donor's choice.

Words of comfort may be shared at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com.