Terry "TW" Lynn Williams

Terry Lynn Williams — known to many as TW and to his grandchildren as Buzz — lived a life marked by loyalty, generosity, humor, and deep East Texas pride. Raised on the farm roads and back highways of East Texas as the middle of three boys, Terry never lost connection to where he came from. A graduate of Union Grove High School, Kilgore College, and Southern Methodist University, he carried both ambition and humility in equal measure. He remained fiercely loyal to his high school friends and proudly rooted in the values that shaped him.

Terry built a career as a lobbyist, insurance executive, and entrepreneur, but titles never defined him. What defined him was the way he made people feel. No matter who you were, Terry had a gift for pulling you in — making you feel included, important, and like an old friend. He had a way with words and a collection of sayings those who loved him will never forget:

“I’m at my all-time peak.”

“As close as nine is to ten.”

“And just like that.”

He loved hosting. He loved helping. No friend — and certainly no stranger — passed through his life without him offering a hand. A true Southern gentleman, Terry believed showing up for people wasn’t optional — it was simply who you were. Some of his most cherished memories were formed at Kilgore College as a Rangerette manager, during his time in Bastrop and with TADA, and in his passion for building homes that felt timeless — crafted to look as though they had always been there. He found joy in spaces that brought people together, especially his lake house, where he hosted and served countless friends and family over the years.

Even in retirement, Terry continued to serve, working to improve the town of Farmersville through his role on city council. He believed communities mattered, and he invested in them.

For 30 years, he was a ticket holder at The Masters — an honor he never took lightly. Sharing the magic of Augusta National brought him enormous joy, and over the years he invited more than 100 people to experience it alongside him. For Terry, joy was never meant to be kept; it was meant to be shared.

But nowhere did he show up more consistently than for his daughters.

Every. Single. Football. Game.

He was there — steady, present, watchful. A constant protector and quiet enforcer when needed, especially during Morgan’s years of fully enjoying her youth. He didn’t hover — he anchored. His presence alone was often enough to remind everyone exactly whose girls they were. During Lauren’s years on the sidelines, he proudly became a season ticket holder for both the Texas Longhorns and the Dallas Cowboys — not for status, but because that’s where his daughter was. If she was there, he was there. He showed up in big stadiums and small moments. In celebrations and corrections. In protection and pride. His daughters never questioned whether their dad would be there — they already knew.

Above all, Terry was selfless.

Adding Andy to the family finally got Terry his professional athlete. He loved having such a wonderful husband for his daughter and an incredible father for his grandchildren. He cherished watching Andy compete, but just as much, he treasured the quiet moments — sitting at the lake house, working the land alongside him, and simply spending time together as family.

His final and most cherished legacy is found in his two grandchildren, Colton and Emerson.

Not two days would go by after Colton was born that Terry wouldn’t simply appear at their home to spend time with his little buddy. He was steady, present, and completely devoted. When Emerson arrived, it brought back sweet memories of raising his girls. He loved her fiercely and spoiled her with as many cuddles and ice cream as she desired.

His pride in his family was unmistakable.

In his final season of life, as Alzheimer’s slowly changed so much, one thing remained constant — his love for Sue. For 48 years she was his greatest pride, and in his illness, she was his rock and his strength. Their love endured in quiet ways that spoke louder than words. His greatest joy was being Sue’s husband and Lauren and Morgan’s dad. Supporting them, protecting them, cheering them on — this was not just something he did. It was who he was.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sue Williams; Daughters, Morgan Williams, Lauren Oliver (Andy); grandchildren, Colton Oliver and Emerson Oliver; brothers, David & Gary Williams, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Terry is preceded in death by his parents, Frank Williams and Frances Hewitt Williams.

A celebration of TW's life will be held in the Chapel of Croley Funeral Home on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 1:00 pm. There will be a visitation Thursday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer.

We will remember him in the way we gather, the way we work hard, the way we protect our people, and the way we show up.

And just like that, his legacy continues...