Bert Charles Williams, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, civic leader and public servant, slept away on Thursday, September 21, 2023.
Mr. Williams was born December 23, 1934, in Texarkana, Texas to the late Bert and Ethel Griffie Williams. A gifted scholar and athlete, he was valedictorian and champion basketball player at Dunbar High School in Texarkana. Following graduation, he earned a B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry from Bishop College in Marshall, and a M.S. degree in Education from North Texas State University in Denton. Mr. Williams was a classroom teacher and coach for twelve years at Kirkpatrick Junior-Senior High School. He led the Kirkpatrick basketball team to the UIL State Champion in 1969. His coaching leadership earned him a place in the Ex-Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association "Hall of Honor" in 1987 and Coach of the Year. His dedication in serving as role-model for his students at Milton L. Kirkpatrick left a lasting effect on the students whose lives he touched. He loved connecting with former students who remembered his words of encouragement and inspiration.
After coaching, Mr. Williams joined Equitable Insurance. An astute businessman, he was an Equity Qualified Representative for AXA Advisors, LLC, Chartered Life Underwriter, and Chartered Financial Consultant. He was recognized as District Manager of the Year in 1982, and Member of the Equitable Hall of Fame in 1986.
Mr. Williams was a Fort Worth community activist and civic leader more than forty years, representing the interests of neighborhood, city, state and national citizens. He served on countless Boards as both leader, mentor and counselor, and was recognized for building alliances, and offering sound, practical solutions in many critical situations. He was elected to the City Council of Fort Worth (1979-1989) and was Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Fort Worth. Mr. Williams was a servant leader in the Fort Worth Community: Chairman of the Board, Fort Worth Opportunity Center, co-founder and president, Southeast Fort Worth Federal Credit Union. He later served on the DFW International Airport committees and became Chairman of the Board, DFW International Airport Board. He was a member of the Board of Trustee, Employee’s Retirement Fund. At the state-level, a Board of Directors member, Texas Municipal League. He was the recipient of the Kappa Alpha Psi Man of the Year Award.
He was a devoted member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, May 2001, serving in the male choir, Sunday School, and Bible Study. He was a former member and Deacon at the Historical St. James Baptist Church.
Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, E. Joyce Horton Williams, and his daughter Deborah Williams.
Mr. Williams is survived by two devoted children: Danny Williams (Vickie) and daughter Dionne Johnson (Ron); three grandchildren: Danesha Bethune, Krystal Butler, and Audriana Johnson; three great grandchildren: MacKenzie Bethune and Ari Jett Willis and Michal Bethune and a host of family, friends and colleagues that loved, honored, and respected him.
Read More
