WALTER SAM WILLIAMS

Thanks for everything Coach Williams !! May God continue to hold you and your family close. I played for Coach 1967- 71

I have the greatest respect for the example the Williams family set by supporting each other. Coach and Mrs. Williams were there when their children needed them and David and Tessa were there when their folks needed them.
Thanks for the example. Best to David and Tessa.

In the summer of 1968, He came to see me in North Carolina and sold me on a college and a basketball program of which I knew very little. In reality, he sold me on Sam Williams, the man. Put simply, he changed my life. Of course that's not unique because he changed the lives of so many. As Kenny Jones said in an earlier post, Coach was a true pioneer. He never got the credit he deserved but that did not deter his commitment to providing athletic and , most importantly, educational...

As a skinny, brash kid from Houston's Wheatley High School, I simply did not understand the opportunity that Coach Williams gave to me back in 1966. I did not understand the blessing of being coached by one of the all time great champions. I did not understand his position as a trailblazer who integrated sports before it was popular. Nor did I understand the educational opportunity that he bestowed upon me. One of my life's greatest regrets is that I did not repay the faith that he placed in...

David and Tessa, my deepest condolences to you and your family. Although I knew him from childhood and little league, I really got to know him at Pan Am as I had the privledge of eating lunch with him a few times a week. He was one of the most caring and supportive individuals I ever knew, and I look back with fondness the time I spent with him. He was really well liked and very well respected by people of all ages.

A ROLE MODEL, A FRIEND, AND ONE OF THE GREATEST COACHES I HAVE EVER MET WHO USED TO COACH ALL HIS PLAYERS IN A REAL SMALL GYM THAT NO LONGER EXISTS AT PAN AMERICAN COLLEGE. I STILL REMEMBER ALL THE AWESOME PLAYERS HE COACHED BEGINING WITH JACKSON,URAND,BOARD,MCGURK,CHERNER,MOORE,EATMON,FULLER,TAYLOR,SERIO,AND OF COURSE THE GREAT ERNIE AZIOS WHO COACHED THE MIGHTY EDINBURG BOBCATS TO OUR DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP IN 1969. I WILL MISS COACH WILLIAMS AS WILL MANY OTHERS. MAY MY TRUE FRIEND REST IN...

Coach, I just want to thank you for giving me a scholarship so many years ago and I am deeply sorry I did not get to visit you one more time. God Bless you and your family.
Adan Perez

Thanks for your help in allowing me the opportunity to have the greatest chapter in my life, my college degree, and my career.(Athletic Trainer Harlingen High School 38 years)