Vernon O. Williams' Obituary
Vernon Oran Williams was born October 6, 1924 in Mt. Enterprise, TX and passed away Tuesday morning December 16, 2014 in Hospice of East Texas in Tyler surrounded by his wife and daughter one week after having a massive stroke.
Vernon entered the Army at age 18 and served and was seriously wounded after serving in Normandy, Northern France, Andennes and the Rhineland. He received the Purple Heart and other accommodations for heroically saving the lives of others.
He went on to graduate from Baylor University and served as basketball coach to East Mountain High School as well as 9 years at LeTourneau College where he served hats alongside RC and Richard LeTourneau. The remainder of his career was spent as a State Farm insurance agent in Longview for 30 years, during which time he received many outstanding achievement awards.
Vernon and his wife Betty are members of Emerald Bay Community Church in Bullard, TX and were in the process of moving to Longview. He actively served for 45 years at Mobberly Baptist Church, most of which was alongside his pastor and dear friend, Laney Johnson. He served as chairman of Deacons 3 times, chairman of pulpit search committee, building fund committee, Sunday school teachers and many many other capacities.
Vernon was friend to many and his influence in the lives of others is so evident to all who knew him. He loved his Lord and his family with all his heart and his Christian service leaves a mighty legacy in its wake. We are so confident that he is in the arms of his loving Savior and was welcomed home by a host of family and friends. We look forward to joining him in the time ahead
Vernon’s priorities were his dedication to his Lord and his love and care of his family. He was always an avid golfer and loved watching and reading about sports and loved all things related to Baylor.
Vernon was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Edith Williams; daughter, Cheryl Gholson; Son, Brad Williams; his parents, Lottie and Vernon Williams; brothers, Robert, Earl and Traci Williams; in-laws, Herman and Bertha Meissner; and hosts of nieces, nephews and friends.
He is survived by his wife Betty R. Williams of Bullard, TX; daughter, Vickie Richardson of Longview; Grandchildren, Eric Gholson and wife Kelly of San Pedro, CA, Randi Hartin and husband Brian of Mansfield, TX, Heath Richardson and wife Amity of Longview, Kristi Richardson of Dallas, and Katie Gray and husband Adam of Thompson Station, TN; Daughter in-law, Tami Williams of Spring hill, TN; Great grandchildren, Edee Gholson, Madelynn Hartin, Eden Richardson, Kailee Stanfield and Christian Stanfield; Sisters, Veda Coleman of Little Rock, AR, Lottie Bell Mitchell and husband Bill of San Antonio and Melba Mercer of San Antonio; and Sister in-law Sue Horn and Husband John of Fort Worth.
Pallbearers for the service will be, Eric Gholson, Heath Richardson, Terry Slayden, Ralph Bailey, Harold Hogan, Lanny Davis, Leroy Van Dyke and Damon Gresham.
Services for Mr. Williams will be 2pm Friday December 19 at Mobberly Baptist Church with a visitation the night before between 6 and 8pm at Rader Funeral Home in Longview. Mr. Williams will be entombed at Lakeview Memorial Gardens here in Longview.
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