Earl Wayne Williams

Funeral services celebrating his life will be held on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at 2:00 pm at Crescent Heights Baptist Church 1902 N. Mockingbird Ln, Abilene, TX 79603, with Rev. R.E. Carter and Rev. Kelvin Kelly, officiating. Interment will be private at a later date. Visitation will be on Monday, November 29 from 6-8pm at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home 5701 Hwy. 277 S. in Abilene. The family kindly request those attending visitation and funeral service please wear a mask.

On April 10, 1933, Robert and Ada (Bonner) Williams welcomed a new baby boy into the world in Abilene, Texas. What seemed like a routine event really was the beginning of an amazing story of a man that not only lived a good life, but also changed the lives of many for the good. Earl grew up in Abilene in a large family with many siblings and enjoyed the usual fun and mischief that siblings do. He graduated from Carter G. Woodson High School in 1954. He went on to eventually take college courses in business training for 2 years. He was drafted to serve in the United States Army in 1954, were he served faithfully and honorably until 1956. Earl married the love of his life, Wynell Rayford on May 22, 1959. Together they began their family and established roots in Abilene they welcomed their three children that he loved and cherished, Rodney, Michael, and Janell.

After Earl’s military time he began a career at the Bootery in 1956 as a stock worker and later became a shoe salesman. His love for people, business acumen, and good old-fashioned work ethic allowed him to become the owner in 1995 until 2008. While he pursued his professional life, he cultivated his spiritual life as well. He joined Mt. Zion Baptist church as a teenager. He was ordained a deacon in 1965 and served under 9 pastors; became chairman of the board under Rev. I.S. Moreland and served as chairman until health began to limit his abilities.

He cultivated his spiritual life, family life, professional life and then went beyond into the community to help change the lives of others. He was a member of several committees, Chairman of the Housing Authority Board, Abilene Housing Finance Cooperation and Taylor Co. Juvenile Advisory Com., Board Member of the Boys & Girls Club, Kiwanis Club since 1973, and many more. Through these organizations he humbly received numerous awards, such as the naming of the Earl Williams apartment complex for his service to the housing authority, The City’s 5000 Award for his work in obtain the Housing Bond Program, 13 years of service award from the Boys and Girls Club, and Abilene Chamber of Commerce award for Small Business Person of the Year in 1997.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Bobby, Malcom, Rudy, Donald, Shirley, and Cliff.

Earl is survived by his beloved wife, Wynell Williams; his children, Rodney Williams (Angela) of San Antonio, Michael Williams (Nelda) of Abilene, and Janell Williams of Abilene; grandchildren, Anthony, Ashley, Lacie Williams, Michelle Jolly, Ashley Johnston; great-grandchildren, Mekhi, A.J., and Calaiya, and Camren. His surviving siblings are Joe (Janet) Williams of Las Vegas, NV, Glenn Williams, Bill Williams of Dallas Texas, Jimmie Landry of Houston Texas, Harriette Ward (Walter) of Bolton, MS; and numerous other loving relatives, and special friends.

To leave condolences or view livestream of service please visit, www.elliott-hamil.com.