Obituary for Billy J. "Bill" Williams
Bill Williams was born on a farm near Kosse, Texas, on August 20, 1926, to Clifton and Iona Williams, one of four sons. As a young man he helped his father in the fields and his mother in the kitchen. During those times he dreamed of a future outside of farm life.
His journey began at age 18 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He trained and was stationed in Aberdeen, Maryland as a company clerk. As the war was winding down in 1945, he was sent aboard the USS Ernie Pyle to Tokyo General Headquarters where he was to work in the Security and Oversight of Japanese prisoners. Stationed directly across the street from General Douglas MacArthur’s Command Center he was witness to the General’s daily military motorcades which was an impressive display of protocol.
Bill never resented his time in the service as he believed anything was better than life on a farm! Bill served his country well and was honorably discharged in November 1946.
Like most young men after leaving the service he had to decide where to begin his work career. Luck led him into banking and his career span 41 years with Citizens National Bank in downtown Waco. At a time of fewer banks, Citizens was the premier bank in Waco and employed dozens of tellers as there were no computers at that time.
Bill met and married the love of his life Juanita Sharp of Waco, Texas, and was blessed with a fantastic marriage of 67 years. Parents of two sons, Billy and Larry. Bill, Juanita and “the boys” were once featured in the newspaper having a picnic lunch in Cameron Park.
After retirement from banking, Bill devoted himself to service with Friends for Life. For 16 years he served as a money management specialist for the elderly and disadvantaged. After the deaths of Juanita, Billy and Larry, he continued to care for dependent men and women with respect and love as if they were his own family.
A member of First United Methodist of Waco for 69 years and Wesleyan Chapel Class, Bill has led the Christian Life and is highly respected by friends and family.
Bill is grandfather to Michelle, Michael, Matt and wife, Shauna, Jeff and wife, Jamie; great-grandfather to Weston, Charlie and Taylor Metcalf; father-in-law to Sheila Williams Esserman and Angie Williams.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Friends for Life 5000 Lakewood Dr., Waco, TX 76710. Sign the guestbook at www.oakcrestwaco.com
His journey began at age 18 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He trained and was stationed in Aberdeen, Maryland as a company clerk. As the war was winding down in 1945, he was sent aboard the USS Ernie Pyle to Tokyo General Headquarters where he was to work in the Security and Oversight of Japanese prisoners. Stationed directly across the street from General Douglas MacArthur’s Command Center he was witness to the General’s daily military motorcades which was an impressive display of protocol.
Bill never resented his time in the service as he believed anything was better than life on a farm! Bill served his country well and was honorably discharged in November 1946.
Like most young men after leaving the service he had to decide where to begin his work career. Luck led him into banking and his career span 41 years with Citizens National Bank in downtown Waco. At a time of fewer banks, Citizens was the premier bank in Waco and employed dozens of tellers as there were no computers at that time.
Bill met and married the love of his life Juanita Sharp of Waco, Texas, and was blessed with a fantastic marriage of 67 years. Parents of two sons, Billy and Larry. Bill, Juanita and “the boys” were once featured in the newspaper having a picnic lunch in Cameron Park.
After retirement from banking, Bill devoted himself to service with Friends for Life. For 16 years he served as a money management specialist for the elderly and disadvantaged. After the deaths of Juanita, Billy and Larry, he continued to care for dependent men and women with respect and love as if they were his own family.
A member of First United Methodist of Waco for 69 years and Wesleyan Chapel Class, Bill has led the Christian Life and is highly respected by friends and family.
Bill is grandfather to Michelle, Michael, Matt and wife, Shauna, Jeff and wife, Jamie; great-grandfather to Weston, Charlie and Taylor Metcalf; father-in-law to Sheila Williams Esserman and Angie Williams.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Friends for Life 5000 Lakewood Dr., Waco, TX 76710. Sign the guestbook at www.oakcrestwaco.com