WALTER SAM WILLIAMS

WALTER WILLIAMS Obituary

WALTER SAM WILLIAMS Sam Williams passed away Monday, October 15, 2012 at Doctors Hospital of Renaissance in McAllen. At the age of 88, the legendary coach known as the "Father of Broncs Basketball" died of natural causes. Endless articles are available heralding his achievements, honors and awards at the University of Texas–Pan American. Just as amazing is the story of a teenager sweeping the basketball gym for his meager spending money in Daingerfield, Texas where he was born on June 29, 1924. The young Sam played Varsity as well as coached the Jr. Varsity team. That was the simple beginning of his lifetime career. Returning from service in the Army Air Corps and college bound on a basketball scholarship, Sam married his sweetheart Corinne Wright in 1947. He and Co, as he called her, began a partnership that could withstand any adversity they faced with the exception of her death in 2003. The couple began the 1950s with a formidable move from East Texas to the Valley to accept a coaching/teaching position in Donna. Along with total support of his education and career, Co had given Sam a son David and daughter Tessa was on the way. The next step was McAllen High School where assistant principal duties were added to his resume. Under the guidance of Coach Williams, the McHi Bulldogs won two consecutive District Championships in 1956-57. His proven success and winning ways drew the attention of what was then Pan American College, and in 1958 Sam took over as head coach of the Broncs. As an educator, father, friend, colleague or acquaintance, this coach touched so many lives along the way in addition to those of his players. Sam Williams was named NAIA National Men's Basketball Coach of the Year in 1964 after leading his squad to win the NAIA National Championship in1963, became a member of both the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame and the UTPA Athletics Hall of Fame, was honored as UTPA Head Coach Emeritus and today the Broncs' court bears his name. He should also be honored in his absence as a good man who demonstrated his faith in others by helping them become the best they could be. Sam is survived by his son David and fiancé Deyanira Adames of McAllen; daughter Tessa Webb and husband Larry of Colorado City, TX; grandson Ian Heath, wife Allison and four great-grandchildren of Odessa, TX; Casey Webb, wife Maria and one great-grandchild of Uffington, England; Stacey Doss, husband Robert and four great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren of Midlothian, TX. Gathering will be Friday October 26, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kreidler Funeral Home. Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday October 27, 2012 at Kreidler Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sam Williams Endowed Scholarship fund at 1201 W. University, ITT Bldg 1.20, Edinburg, TX 78539. Kreidlerfuneralhome.com Sign the guest book at www.themonitor.com/obituaries

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Published by The Monitor on Oct. 25, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for WALTER WILLIAMS

9 Entries

Gil Walker

October 19, 2020

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

Allen Kirsh

October 31, 2012

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.

Dick Tate

October 27, 2012

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 opportunity to those of us who were blessed to play for him. Thank you Coach. Dick Tate

At Coach Sam's 11/09 - Fred Taylor, Kenny Jones, Howard Fuller, Coach Sam & Otto Moore

Kenneth (Kenny) Jones

October 26, 2012

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 me when I left Pan Am prematurely. I learned later that he didn't hold it against me. He blessed me again when he welcomed me into his home years later, gave me that Coach's smile like I'd just made a good play (he always greeted people with a smile like no other and really let you know that he was genuinely happy to see you), let me know that I would always be in his family of players, and let me know that he understood my decision of years ago. It helped me to understand that there simply aren't many humans who achieve championship status in any endeavor. It helped me to understand that Coach Sam Williams was a champion on and off the court. I now understand that I became a better person who has been competitive, able to be objective, and able to face adversity in great measure because of him. Thanks, Coach. May you rest in peace and may God bless your family.

October 25, 2012

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.

Patricia Power and Marvin Baker

October 25, 2012

Deepest condolences to you, David and Tessa, on the loss of your amazing and wonderful father. This is a very sad day. May the Lord lift you and sustain you.

ROLLIE ZAMORA

October 25, 2012

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 PEACE

Adan Perez

October 25, 2012

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

Raul (Ural) Zamarripa

October 25, 2012

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)

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