Howard Williams

HÊóƒÙ— L›› W®½½®ƒÃÝ , the first son of Lavern Williams and Mary Lee Young Williams, was born on March 9, 1948, in Lawton, Oklahoma. He passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Howard’s father, Lavern Williams, was a career Army Sergeant, which meant the family oŌen moved. From the first to the fourth grade, Howard aƩended Douglas Elementary School in Lawton, Oklahoma. Next, they moved to Neuberg, Germany, where he completed fiŌh and sixth grade. AŌer that, they returned to the United States and seƩled in Ft. Ord, California, where he completed the sixth and eleventh grades. Howard graduated from StuƩgart American High School in Schwabisch Gmund, Germany. AŌer high school, Howard and his family returned to Lawton, Oklahoma, where he aƩended Cameron Junior College. He later received his Associates degree from El Centro College in Dallas, Texas. On April 8, 1968, Howard was draŌed into the United States Army and underwent basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington. He served as a Specialist 4 with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam as a Paratrooper, earning the Vietnamese Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, NaƟonal Defense Medal, Army CommendaƟon Medal, and Air Medal. He dedicated 13 months of his service to his country. Upon his return to America, Howard was hired in 1970 at Lone Star Gas Company, becoming one of the few Black men employed by the company. He worked at LSG for an impressive 41 years, forming lifelong friendships that conƟnue to this day. In 2012, due to his disability, he leŌ Atmos Energy (formerly Lone Star Gas). Howard was known for his warm and friendly nature, never meeƟng a stranger. He possessed an unwavering love for everyone he encountered. Howard cherished his family and friends deeply. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great - grandfather. His children, grandchildren, and great - grandchildren could always count on him for support. In the Waterford Oaks neighborhood of Cedar Hill, Texas, he was affecƟonately known as the “Mayor” of Calvert Drive. Kids would seek his help whenever their bikes had flats or needed a place to play basketball. Behind his house in the alleyway was the go - to spot. Howard had a knack for fixing anything and was always available to lend a helping hand whenever someone called. He specialized in plumbing but would oŌen refer electrical issues to his friend Will Ponius. “Long Ɵme neighbors Vicki and Jimmy and all the neighbors on Calvert Street will miss Howard dearly”. His beauƟful yard was the talk of the neighborhood and most days that is where you could find him from sunrise to sunset. On December 18, 1994, Rev. Leonard Chappell ordained Howard as a Deacon at the Union Missionary BapƟst Church in Italy, Texas. He faithfully served in that assignment for eight years. In 2002, Howard and his family moved to Cedar Hill, Texas, where they joined Graceland Missionary BapƟst Church. He served with the Usher Board II and the Pastor Aide CommiƩee. In 2018, Howard returned to Union BapƟst Church and re - commiƩed his assignment as Deacon. He cherished Union BapƟst Church, its members, and Pastor. He worked Ɵrelessly in any capacity that furthered the glory of God and the Church. Howard sang with the Male Chorus, served as their Treasurer, and was also a member of the Brotherhood. Howard’s life will be deeply missed by his wife of 37 years, Palmera Williams, of Cedar Hill, Texas; his stepmother, Naize Williams, of Meridian, MS; his sister, Sandra Brown (James), of San Diego, CA; his brother, Robert Williams (JeaneƩe), of Las Vegas, NV; his step - sisters, Cathy Wilson and VeƩys LoŌon and his stepbrother, Robert Barfield (Ruth), all of Meridian, MS. His daughters, Donna Williams of Desoto, Texas, and Patricia Flowers, Denton, Texas; and his sons, Howard Jones, Cedar Hill, TX, Howard Moore (Carina), Idabel, OK, Dewayne Williams, Lawton, OK, and Jonathan Williams, Cedar Hill, TX. 14 Grand Children and 12 Great - Grandchildren and a host of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins In - Laws and Many, Many Friends. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Lavern and Mary Lee Williams, two brothers, Vernon Lawrence and Glen Williams.