Robert Leon Williams -dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend -passed away on January 27, 2023 at the age of 83.
Leon was born to Emma and Joe Williams on December 30, 1939 in Lamasco, Texas. He graduated from Sherman High School in 1958, where he played the trumpet in the Bearcat Band and was the first baseman on the baseball team. During high school, he met his wife to be, Linda Lair at Fairview Baptist Church, where they later married on June 7, 1958.
Leon attended Texas Tech University, where his Dad recruited him to come back to Sherman and join the family construction business, Williams and Williams, later to become Joe Williams and Sons, Inc. Many of the roadways throughout Sherman and Denison were constructed by the firm, along with performing site construction for many of the manufacturing plants, including the original Texas Instruments plant. They also constructed lakes and soil conservation dams throughout Texas and Oklahoma. Leon loved construction and amazingly worked full time for over 60 years, retiring at the age of 80.
Leon was very active in his Church, serving as an ordained Deacon in Fairview Baptist, Trinity Baptist, and First Baptist Howe. He loved teaching Junior High Boys in Bible Study, singing in the choir, and served on many committees in the Church. Leon was a faithful Christian servant leader who dedicated his life to the Church.
Leon was honored for 50 years of service as a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason this last November. Leon also served on the School Board of Howe Independent School District. He served on the Sherman Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce and various civic organizations throughout his career. Leon believed in serving and giving back!
Leon and his devoted wife, Linda were married for a wonderful 64 years-blessed with 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren. Leon loved his family very much and so enjoyed spending time with family and friends. His humor and wit added so much fun to every gathering! Leon will be greatly missed!
Leon is survived by his wife, Linda Williams, son Jeff Williams and wife Karen of Arlington, daughter Daphne Williams Shadic and husband Jackie of Sherman, son Guy Williams and wife Kristy of Clover, South Carolina, son Mark Williams and wife Brittany of Denison; his sister, Leta Key and husband Charles of Azle; brother in-law, Jerome Lair and wife Jeannie of Lufkin; 9 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Emma and Joe Williams, his brother Tom Ray Williams and many other loving relatives.
Pall bearers will be his grandsons, Jered Cunningham, Ryan Williams, Carson Williams, Rick O’Pry, Stephen Pollitte, Brandon Taylor, Terry Syler, and Justin Berthiaume. Honorary Pall Bearers are longtime friends Jack Norman, Alton Norman and David Bedgood.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life Service at First Baptist Church, 400 S. Travis Street, Sherman, Texas 75090, with visitation from 1 to 2pm and the service at 2 pm, Sunday, February 5, 2023. Burial service will follow at the Lamasco, Texas cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Sherman and Home Hospice of Grayson County.