Bill Williams

Bill Warren Williams passed away in Midland Friday October 26, 2012. He was born on August 22nd, 1935 in Hillsboro, TX to Florence and W.S. Williams. He grew up in Hillsboro, TX and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1952. He then attended Navarro Junior College. After college Bill met his future wife, Peggy Lamb, and they were married in Wichita Falls, TX on May 21, 1954. They were married for over 58 years. He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Vicente Villarreal, JR. He is survived by his two children Billy, his wife Kelly Williams, and Julie Villarreal. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Chad Villarreal and his wife Julie; Brandon Williams and his wife Stephanie; Kyle Williams, Greg Williams, and 1 great-grandchild, Cole Villarreal. In Wichita Falls he worked for the BF Goodrich and Firestone Tire Company. He was transferred by BF Goodrich to Shawnee, OK in 1961 and then transferred to Midland, TX in 1963. He became part owner of Goodrich Service Center in 1969 along with Goodrich Hejl and Dan Fender. Dan and Bill acquired Goodrich Hejl's interest and later divided the company's assets. Bill and Peggy changed the name to Bill Williams Tire Center shortly thereafter. The business has grown from a small retail operation to 6 locations in Texas with more than 100 employees. One of Bill's lifelong passions was the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) and he was heavily involved since 1970. He donated many hours to growing the sport in Midland and the entire State of Texas. He helped coordinate and host over 20 National ASA Tournaments in Midland and sponsored many teams along the way. Teams sponsored by Bill participated in the National Tournament in 1973, 1977, and 1981. In 1984 the City of Midland named a softball complex in his honor, the Bill Williams Softball Complex. He was inducted into the Texas ASA Hall of Fame in 2002 and the National ASA Hall of Fame in 2004. He was recently honored with a 40 Years of Service Award from Texas ASA. Bill was also involved in Midland College athletics. He and John Hendricks were instrumental in building the first dorms on the Midland College campus for athletes in 1983. Bill was also part of the group that founded the Midland College athletic booster club. Bill and his wife Peggy were active supporters of Midland College and attended numerous home and away games over the years. Bill was elected to the Midland City Council in 1987 and he was very proud to serve his community. He was involved with other members in the planning and construction of the Midland Airport, Scharbauer Sports Complex, and many other civic minded projects. Family, friends, and community were very important to Bill all his life. The Williams Family would like to thank Brenda Haven and all the caretakers that helped the family caring for Bill over the past two years. Also, they would like to thank Dr. Vogel, Dr. Foster, Manor Park and its staff for all their help over the last few years; they have truly been a blessing. Donations may be made to: Midland College Chaparral Athletic Club 3600 N Garfield ST Midland, TX 79705 or The National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum 2801 N.E. 50th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73111 A viewing will be held at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday October 28th. The services will be at 2:00 pm on Monday October 29th at Bellview Baptist Church, 1710 N Big Spring St. in Midland, TX. Pallbearers are Ed Connally, Jose Cuevas, Greg Frazier, Bud Glaspie, Monty Hoppel, Bob Landreth, James Stanton, and Mark Thomas. Honorary Pallbearers are All Past Goodrich Softball Players. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com