Charles Ralph Williams, 69 years old, of Tom Bean, beloved husband, father and Papaw went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 21, 2021 after a courageous and hard-fought battle against COVID-19.
Ralph was born in Sherman, TX to Joe and Lucy (Franklin) Williams on September 20, 1951. He attended all twelve years of school at Tom Bean ISD and graduated from Tom Bean High School, Class of ’70. While attending high school, he excelled in basketball and was voted Most Athletic his junior year and Mr. TBHS his senior year. He married his high school sweetheart, Marion Copley, on February 12, 1971 in Sherman, Texas.
For many years, Ralph enjoyed playing softball. He made many memories traveling with the team, his wife, daughter and nieces.
Ralph had a lifelong love of cars. He loved to collect and restore them and was often known to race a few. His most recent and possibly his favorite project was restoring a white Ford Bronco with his grandson, Will.
Ralph’s greatest joy was his family. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren. He enjoyed attending and supporting his grandchildren in their school and athletic activities.
Ralph began his career in construction for many years with his father-in-law, Bill Copley, and his brothers-in-law, Bill Copley, Jr. and Albert Rodgers. Ralph worked at Tom Bean ISD for many years. During this time, he made many longtime friends and was a trusted and favorite bus driver of many.
His love for buses led him to his next career as Director of Operations for All Aboard School Transportation, where he developed relationships with school administrators across the state of Texas, as well as owners of charter bus companies across the nation. Ralph was always a bus driver at heart and never felt or acted superior to others, this quality allowed him to be a leader and boss that was respected and approachable.
He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Marion Williams, their daughter Kiley Fleming and her husband, Alan of Tom Bean; grandchildren, Karsyn, Will and Bella Fleming. Brother, Joe Williams (Kathy) of Sherman, Sister-in-law, Shirley Smith of Tom Bean, Donna Rodgers (Albert) of Luella, Brother-in-law, Billy Copley, Jr. of Sherman, and dear cousin, Pat Stephens (Joyce) of Tom Bean. Nieces and nephews, Kerri England (Mark) of Sherman, Lisa Courtney (Steven) of Howe, Eric Rodgers (Laura) of Melissa, BJ Rodgers (Kelly) of Savoy, Carol Ann Downing (Jason) of Bells, Joe Williams, III (Terria) of Frisco, Rhonda Malone of S&S, and Patricia Williams of Tyler. Ralph leaves behind many cousins, great nieces and nephews and an abundance of extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill and Jackie Copley, Brother-in-law, Jerry Smith and niece, Janice Williams.
To allow for social distancing, there will be a graveside service, Tuesday, January 26, 2021 11:00 am at Holloway Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Scoggins Funeral Home in Van Alstyne, Texas. You may sign the online register book at www.scogginsfuneralhome.com.