Eugene Arthur Williams Jr.

Eugene Arthur Williams, Jr.
November 8, 1934 - May 10, 2025
With love we celebrate the life journey of Eugene Arthur Williams, Jr., a man whose quiet strength, wisdom and love for his family and faith left a mark on all who knew him. Gene departed from this life on May 10, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas, at the age of 90 surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on November 8, 1934, in Stamford, Texas, he was the beloved son of Eugene Arthur Williams and Fannie Mae Sandlin-Williams. In 1938 his family moved to Fort Worth, the city that was his life long home. Gene was baptized into the Christian faith during his teenage years, a spiritual foundation that would guide him for the rest of his life.
Gene graduated from Diamond Hill High School in 1953. His natural leadership led him to serve as Class President and he enjoyed being on the football team. His academic journey continued at Baylor University where he attended on scholarship and earned a degree in Business Management in 1957. While at Baylor he joined the ROTC and upon graduation, entered the United States military as a commissioned officer. He proudly served his country and rose to the rank of First Lieutenant before concluding his military service.
After leaving the military, Gene began what would become a distinguished 35 year career at General Dynamics where he would rise to the position of Director of Technical Publications. Known for his calm leadership he helped shape the communications that supported some of the most advanced defense technology of his time. His work was marked not just by excellence, but by a deep sense of responsibility to his country and colleagues.
He married Trish Couch in 1971 beginning a union that would span over five decades. After retiring from Lockheed Gene embraced a new chapter with enthusiasm and humility, taking on the role of tour guide at the Fort Worth Stockyards. It brought him joy to share the rich history of the place he called home and found fulfillment in connecting with people from all walks of life.
Gene enjoyed his boating days, his motorcycle days, his CB radio days, his sports-car days, snow skiing days, and other interests. He was a good provider, getting up before the sun for many years. He could talk for hours when the subject was something he loved, like memories from his youth or air force days. He authored a book chronicling the stories of his childhood, a legacy of warmth and wit for generations to come. One of his favorite pastimes was playing pool with his grandsons (until they could beat him).
Gene's faith remained a cornerstone of his life. He served as an elder of Westpoint Church for many years.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Trish Williams, his daughter, Jenna Hawkins and her husband Rodney, his son, David Williams and his wife Deborah, his daughter, Julie Eastman and her husband Joe, his daughter, Brandi McIntosh and her husband Dan; and his daughter Morgan Smith and her husband BJ. Gene was the proud grandfather of twelve grandchildren and the great grandfather of eight. Each of them carries a piece of his character - his gentleness, his strength, his humor. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, E. A. Williams and Fannie Mae Williams.
A service to honor and celebrate Eugene's life will be held at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on Thursday, May 22 at 11:15 AM. There, with full military honors, he will be laid to rest.
Eugene Arthur Williams, Jr., was a man saved by grace by the finished work of Jesus. His absence leaves a place no one else can fill. He will be missed, fondly remembered and forever loved.
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