Purris Franklin Williams

We are devastated to announce the passing of Purris “Chic” Franklin Williams Jr., 90, of Spring Branch, TX. Purris left us on January 9, 2024, after a valiant battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Purris was the most kind and gentle soul, a true gentleman.

Purris was born on June 13, 1933 to Gladys Oleta Dorsett and Purris Franklin Williams Sr., in Brownwood, Texas. He led a full and vibrant life, leaving an incredible legacy behind. Though he preferred to be called Purris, he was known as “Chic” on stage and to his many close friends in AA.

Purris was a multifaceted man who had many interests and hobbies. Music and playing his trumpet were his lifelong passion. He enjoyed fly fishing in Montana, deer and duck hunting in Texas, camping in Canada and photography of the beautiful places he loved. He was an avid woodworker, spending all his free time in his wood shop where he created art boxes, love spoons, quilt racks and refurbished furniture for friends and family. Purris also carved life-like wooden ducks and birds. He enjoyed sketching scenes of his adventures in Montana, Oregon, Washington, Missouri, Texas and Canada. Purris was a very talented and gifted musician. He knew as a child in the fourth grade, that he wanted to become a professional trumpet player.

After graduating in 1951 from Hereford High School, Hereford Texas. Purris won scholarships from Hardin-Simmons University and West Texas State University, where he received his B.A. in Music Education in 1954. He was Band Director at numerous schools in West Texas including Kress, Tx., El Paso, Tx., Ysleta Tx., Midland Tx,. Odessa Tx. and North Jr. High and Richardson Jr. High, Richardson,Tx.

Purris also won Amarillo Symphony Scholarship and played first trumpet with that orchestra. He won the Amarillo Symphony Conterto Auditions and the Haydn Conterto and played as soloist with that orchestra.

Purris played second trumpet with El Paso Symphony Orchestra and played professionally for ice shows, circuses, stage bands and pit bands. He played first trumpet with Odessa-Midland Symphony Orchestra and worked with Midland Community Theater as lead trumpet.

Purris proudly served his country at the United States Military Academy West Point, New York from 1957-1960. He played first trumpet and also played fourth trumpet with the Black Orchestra, a military dance band.

From 1968-1969 Purris studied with John J Haynie and began graduate work at North Texas State University, Denton, Tx. He received his Master of Music Education in 1969. From 1969-1974 Purris was Assistant Professor of Music, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO. He was Assistant Band Director, taught Applied Trumpet, Brass Ensemble and Trumpet Methods. In 1970 Purris assumed duties of acting band director in absence of director and ran pre-school drills for Marching Mizzou. He designed, rehearsed and conducted pre-game and half-time shows, Missouri-Minnesota game (ABC - TV), the Air Force-Missouri game in St. Louis. Purris designed, rehearsed and conducted pre-game and half-time shows, Missouri - Notre Dame ( ABC-TV), Missouri - Colorado State game, Missouri - Iowa State game, Missouri - Kansas game. Also in 1970, Marching Mizzou, while under Purris’ direction, was selected as one of seven bands in the country to be runner-up in the All-American TV College Band contest. I would like to mention all of his many accomplishments during his careers as musician and teacher. He gave 100% and put his heart into all his endeavors, relationships, employment, etc.

Purris is predeceased by his beloved parents, Gladys Oleta Dorsett and Purris F. Williams Sr. His cherished Grandparents, Hattie Carlisle and Robert Allen Dorsett. His sister Nettie Jo Williams Meierhoff and brother Thomas D. “Bud” Williams.Nephew Greg Meierhoff (Mia).

Purris is survived by his precious wife Tracy Ann Williams, nephew Greg Meierhoff (Mia), and his four dearly missed children and grandchildren Purris F. Williams III of Boston, MA, Carlyn Katz (Rick) of St. Louis MO, Kimberley Kelty (Mark) of Columbia, MO and Jill Moseley (John) of Columbia, MO; and granddaughters, Lauren Fisher, Rachel Fisher and Hannah Moseley.

The family held a private service to honor Purris.