Jack H. Williams

Jack H. Williams was called to heaven on August 31, 2013 at the age of 92. He was born June 5, 1921 in Fitzhugh, Oklahoma to professional baseball pitcher father, Guy H. (Lefty) Williams and teacher mother, Edna Fine Williams. Jack and his brother Howard (deceased) spent childhood mainly in Ada, Oklahoma before moving to Iraan, Texas in 1934 when his father's playing days were over. Jack lettered in many sports while at Iraan High School and developed his lifelong love of golf. After graduation, he worked a year so that he could enter Texas A&M University and become a member of the class of 1944. His education was interrupted by WWII where he served in Europe as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army's 13th and 82nd Airborne divisions. While he was quite proud of earning his paratrooper wings, his most memorable wartime moment was his introduction to Ruth K. Satula on a blind date in Louisiana, and being informed by her that "he better show her a good time". Those good times would last for 47 years of marriage until Ruthie's death in January 1993. After the war, Ruth and Jack returned to Texas A&M where he completed his B.S. in Agricultural Economics in 1947. Until his death, Jack, would bleed Aggie maroon and white. After graduation, Jack and Ruth would make their home in Houston, Texas for the rest of their lives. He took a job with Shell Pipe Line retiring from Shell in 1983 after 36 years of service, never missing a day of work for illness. They would raise two sons, Grant and Gregg, send them to Texas A&M and enjoy living in Westbury surrounded by lifelong neighbors for decades. Jack was an active and loving father, always involved with the boys, coaching baseball, playing catch or most importantly just being there. He and Ruthie also loved their bridge club games as both were accomplished players. Over the years after Ruthie's passing, Jack enjoyed watching his grandsons, Gregg and Leta's boys, Tyler, Tanner, Blake and Billy grow up; especially attending their football games. Jack's West Texas roots live on through his niece Barbara Dillard, Howard's daughter, who is a long time resident of Odessa.

As God's plan unfolded, Jack would meet Maryellen Hebenstreit who became his loving sunset years' companion. Jack and Maryellen were active in many functions but especially looked forward to their monthly bridge group outings. Maryellen's wonderful family adopted him into theirs and helped make his last 19 years joyous and meaningful. Jack had indescribable fun playing with his "Little Buddy", Joshua who called him Grandpa Jack. Joshua always took first place with Jack whenever he was in the room.

While Jack was fiercely independent and self-sufficient, Grant's wife Ann found a special place in his heart for her loving touch and always cooking extra for Jack's meals. He looked forward to her mince meat pie at Christmas and pineapple upside down cake for his birthdays. Jack lived a full meaningful life as evidenced by the numerous friends he leaves behind. He was a strong, caring, warm and selfless person; simply a good man who will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be at Wednesday, September 4th from 6-8 pm at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home.

A private graveside service and burial will be held Thursday, September 5th at 9 a.m.at Houston National Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Wounded Warrior project.