Obituary: David L. Williams

David L. Williams of Montalba, went to be with his heavenly father on January 13, 2018 in Palestine, Texas. He was born on May 23, 1942 in Palestine, Texas to Grady Hall Williams and Ruby Lou Rhoades Williams.

David grew up on his beloved family farm in the Springfield Community. He attended the Springfield United Methodist Church. He also attended Cayuga High School and graduated in 1959. Following graduation, he attended Henderson County Junior College. He worked for a short time at Curtis Mathis in Athens. Around the time that David began his family, he started working for Nipak in Trinidad. He was employed there for approximately 13 years. During this time, Mr. Williams made a home for his family in Murchison, Texas. He called Murchison home for over 30 years.

During those 30 years as a resident of Murchison, David was a long-time member of the Murchison Volunteer Fire Department for over 25 years. He also had the honor of serving as Mayor of Murchison for nine years. Following his service as Mayor, he served on the Council of Government. Through David’s time serving as a volunteer fireman, he developed a love for firefighting and educating other firemen. He taught fire school at Texas A & M for 17 years. He also served as President of the FIre Chief Association.

David was Owner/Operator of Firefighter Construction for 34 years. He enjoyed his time building and designing boat houses on beautiful Lake Athens and various other private lakes in the Athens area. He treasured his time spent on the water.

Serving the local community was a passion of David’s. He poured himself into serving others in need through different outreach organizations. Mr. Williams was a Past Master of Athens Lodge 165; Past Master of Science Hill 211; and District Deputy Grand Master 17th Masonic District Grand Lodge of TX.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his son, Gordon Dean “Skip” Hall.

Survivors include his wife of 15 years, Sharon Williams; his children, Lana Gresham and husband Pat, David Williams Jr and wife Polly, Mandy Jenkins and husband Tommy, Chris Williams and wife Lori, Shann Hall and wife Shannon, Kelly Hall, and Stephanie “Stevi” Williams and husband Logan Henson; 14 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Athens Soup Kitchen P.O. Box 1436 Athens, Texas 75751, or Science Hill Masonic Lodge P O Box 612 Athens Texas 75751.

A memorial service will be held for Mr. Williams on Thursday January 18, 2018, at Springfield United Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m. Following the service, there will be a Celebration of David’s life where everyone is invited to the family farm for lunch. Arrangements by Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home.