Rev. O.W. Williams

Funeral services for Rev. O.W. Williams, 99, of Lufkin will be held Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Eastview United Pentecostal Church with Reverend David Hunt and Reverend Kevin L. Prince officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.

On a warm sunny summer afternoon, September 21, 2018, Rev. O.W. Williams, surrounded by the family he loved, closed his eyes, took that last soft gentle peaceful breath. As the angelic choir sang, Heaven’s gates opened and the Master welcomed home His good and faithful servant.

O.W. Williams was born May 3, 1919. He was the thirteenth of fourteen children born to Wesley and Ida (Shepherd) Williams in Morgan Branch, Tennessee.

As a teenager, he met and married Violet Lynch. They were married for 67 years. He and Violet were blessed with 3 beautiful daughters, Virginia, Laverne, and Dimmy. In 2004, Violet passed and he was left with a hole in his heart. Later on, this hole was filled with the love and caring heart of Doris Gary.

Rev. Williams began the first decade of his ministry starting and building three churches in Ridgely, Tiptonville, and Union City, Tennessee. While pastoring in Tennessee, his fellow brethren elected him to several district official capacities, including District Youth leader as well as Sectional Presbyter. In 1953, he felt the call of God to move to Kilgore, Texas and help grow the church to one of the largest in Texas. At the age of 39, Rev. Williams became Pastor of Stonewall Pentecostal Church in Houston, Texas. Under his leadership, this church grew to over 1,000 members and, once again, one of the largest churches of the time.

In the year of 1972, the ministers of the Texas District United Pentecostal Church elected Rev. Williams to be the Texas District Superintendent for three terms. During his tenure as Superintendent he built the current tabernacle on the Campgrounds in Lufkin, Texas.

Feeling a call back to the pastoral ministry, Rev. Williams resigned the state position in 1976 and became Pastor of Eastview United Pentecostal Church where he remained until he retired in 2001. While pastoring Eastview, he built the current sanctuary still in use today. After his retirement, he continued to serve as Senior Pastor and Pastor Emeritus until his passing.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Violet Sue Williams; and daughter, Virginia Lee Williams.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Williams; daughters, Laverne Stanton and Dimmy Wagner; grandchildren, Anthony Williams, Russ Spurgeon, Shalisa Moorehead, Demesa Barnhill, and Dax Wagner; 10 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and many more spiritual children.

Pallbearers will be Cory Morehead, Colby Morehead, Larry Coon, Robert Trawick, Marty Barnhill, Gerald Ivie, Morris Morehead, and Steve Wheeler.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at Eastview United Pentecostal Church.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.