George Gardner Williams Jr.

George was born August 1, 1921 in Dallas to George Gardner Williams and Theresa Augusta Kester Williams. He had many talents and careers during his long life. He served in the Army Air Corp and Infantry during WWII and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star as a result of his combat actions at the Battle of the Bulge. He had a love of music and performed in Barbershop choruses and quartets, and was a member of SPEBSQSA. He graduated with 2 BA degrees 2 Masters and almost 2 doctorates in Business and Economics Education. He taught Business and Economics at Texas Wesleyan in Fort Worth for over 30 years. He was always involved in Church, and throughout his membership, he served as soloist, first reader and second reader for First Church of Christ Scientists in Arlington as well as serving on their board.

He married Betty Woods in 1967, which created a blended family of 4 teenagers, Susie, Debbie, Phillip and Lisa. He began to go by his middle name Gardner. Throughout their 52 year marriage, Gardner was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He had a gracious and generous nature and sense of humor. He volunteered at the Arlington Shelter and served as an American Airlines ambassador during Betty’s employment with the airlines.

After retiring from Teaching, Gardner began a career in acting. He performed in over 50 shows at several community theaters, and won many awards for his performances. He was one of very few adults to join children in performances at the Creative Arts Theater. He truly enjoyed his time on stage.

His love for gardening was life long, and he enjoyed sharing the abundant crops from his backyard. He never knew a stranger and enjoyed conversing with all ages. His house was always open and he welcomed friends of his children and grandchildren with open arms.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Eloiuse, wife Betty and children Phillip Williams and Lisa Hart.

Survivors: Daughters Teresa S. Williams-Dupont & husband Steve of Arlington, Deborah Woods-Owens & friend Mark of Colorado, 5 Grandchildren- Nicole Serafin, Maria Smith, Natalie Mielenze, Shane Howard, & Sean Hart, 9 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren, as well as many relatives and friends.

A visitation for George will be held Tuesday, September 12, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home, 4216 South Bowen Road, Arlington, TX 76016. A funeral service will take place Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Funeral Home. A committal service will follow at 1:15 PM at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75211.