Bobby Lee Williams

Bobby Lee Williams, 85, a loving husband and father, kind friend and man whose faith was an inspiration to all who knew him, passed away peacefully Friday, Feb. 19, 2016. Bobby will always be remembered for his gentle spirit, warm smile and devotion to others. A memorial service will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, February 21, 2016 at First Baptist Church of Graham, 620 Fourth Street. A reception will follow in the church activity center. Family visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Saturday at Morrison Funeral Home, 700 Oak Street.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Graham Regional Hospice or FBC of Graham scholarship program.

Bobby was born in a farmhouse on June 23, 1930, in Lynn County, south of Lubbock. His father was an oilfield worker, and Bobby lived his childhood throughout the southwest, from Eunice, N.M., to Wink, Texas, before his family settled in Graham his senior year of high school.

Bobby attended Tarleton State University before transferring to Texas Tech University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business.

After graduation, he served as a first lieutenant in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was a courier and auditor in the Auditor General’s Department.

He returned to Texas where he married Mary Jocile Watson December 30, 1953, in Knox City. They eventually settled in Graham, where Bobby established himself as a model of stability.

He worked at Stephens Trucking and Wesmore Drilling – now Stephens Co. – for 55 years, rising to the position of vice president.

He taught third-grade Sunday School at First Baptist Church of Graham for 56 years, and also served as a deacon, trustee, treasurer and chairman of the church scholarship program. He coached youth baseball for many years, and he and friend Grady Ware played a major role in integrating Graham’s Little League in 1956, coaching the Yankees.

A huge fan of the Steers, he was a regular at Graham sporting events, and he and Mary Jo often traveled to Keller, Austin and Seymour to cheer on their grandchildren and great-grandchildren during athletic events, plays, spelling bees, recitals and other activities. Bobby truly cherished spending time with his family. Bobby and Mary Jo also loved to travel, especially on cruises with friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arlie and Gladys Williams.

Bobby is survived by his loving wife Mary Jo; his sister, Patsy Roberson of Abilene; son, Chad Williams and wife, Judi, of Seymour; son, Lee Williams and wife, Helen, of Arlington; daughter, Lou Peterson and husband, Rob, of Austin; grandchildren Alex Williams of Los Angeles, Ben Williams of Austin, Walt Peterson of Odessa, Will Peterson of Waco, and Jamie Wallace of Seymour; great-grandchildren Tristan Shumate, Kennedy Shumate, Austen Wallace and Tristen Wallace of Seymour; brother-in-law, T.A. Watson, of Knox City; niece Kim Clonts and husband, Greg, of Knox City; nephew Keith Russell and wife, Kim, of Albany, and numerous other relatives. A special thanks to Graham Regional Hospice and to Bobby’s caregivers: Erin, Heidi, Hollis, Amy, Krystal, Rachelle, Henry and Perla.