Lawrence D. Williams Jr.

LAWRENCE D. WILLIAMS, JR. November 29, 1918 January 21, 2004 Services for Lawrence D. Williams, Jr., 85, of Bryan, were held at Fort Sam Houston. Born in Boston, he lived in San Antonio for 40 years then moved to Bryan. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII and Korea. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After his retirement from the military, he received a master's degree from Trinity University and taught Texas history at Alamo Heights Junior High School until his retirement in 1985. His first love had always been the Army but this changed as he taught 7th graders. This Boston Yankee discovered his real love was for these young students who learned the fascinating history and anecdotes of Texas. He also taught at the high school level and at San Antonio College. He was a volunteer tutor at Howard Elementary School and was active in the Institute of Texas Cultures where he always asked for the 7th graders. He was a true adventurer. He visited all seven continents, dipped a toe in every ocean, had his landing craft capsize at Pitcairn Island, and was shipwrecked in the Solomon Islands. He turned 82 in Borneo, flew around Mt. Everest and went to seldom-visited lands. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Diana Pion Williams. Survivors include two beloved daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl Williams and Jesse Wenzel and Pamela Williams and Don Johnson, all of Bryan; four grandchildren and a great-grandchild. Memorials may be made to Trinity University or a charity of choice.