Lewis Bolton Williams, Jr., of Victoria, peacefully passed from this life on Thursday, May 9, 2013, at the age of 88 years. He was born on May 29, 1924, to Lewis B. and Mary Ellenda Shelton Williams. His childhood years were spent in Putnam, Texas, with his two sisters and brother, who preceded him in death: Zada Downing, Mary Douglas Isenhower, and Jack Williams. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Ruth Yearsley Williams, and by his children, David R. Williams and wife, Tylaine, of San Antonio, John R. Williams and wife, Kara, of Gonzales, Texas, and Elaine W. Phillips and husband, John, of Shawnee, Oklahoma. He always enjoyed visiting with his nine grandchildren: Chris, Shelton, Shannon, Joshua, Lauren, James, Elizabeth, Kayleigh, and Sharon.
After high school, he served in the U.S. Navy for four and one half years as a Pharmacist’s mate both during World War II and the Korean Conflict. After this, he completed his baccalaureate and masters degrees from Southwest Texas State University, in San Marcos, Texas.
While he began his career at the DuPont plant in Victoria, he opted to become a life-long educator. He began his educational career as a Chemistry teacher at Victoria High School and head of the Science Departments at both VHS and Stroman High Schools. He became Assistant Principal at Patti Welder Junior High, and he then worked as Director of Special Services with the Victoria Independent School District. One of his career highlights was establishing a program that enabled adult students to complete their high school diplomas. In his retirement, he was always glad to meet and learn about his former students.
Mr. Williams has always been active in a local church. Because his wife was a church choir director and organist, he would offer a needed bass voice. He was a Sunday School teacher for many years at First United Methodist Church, and he went on to serve as an elder at First Presbyterian Church and as a choir member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He was a member of the Optimist Club of Victoria and loved wood working, gardening, and hunting/fishing.
Visitation will be held on Friday night, May 17, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at Colonial Funeral Home. Burial will be held on Saturday, May 18, at 1:00 p.m., at Memorial Park Cemetery, and will be followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Kathryn Morton officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Hospice of South Texas, First Presbyterian Church, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), or to the church or charity of their choice.
The Williams’ family would like to thank the many friends and family members who have supported them through this season. Your phone calls, encouragement, time, and gifts have blessed us immeasurably. Additionally, we would like to thank the staff members of the Hospice of South Texas for their extraordinary care and support that ministered so greatly to our family.
Words of comfort may be shared with the Family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com
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