James R. Williams

James Richard Williams, 81, of San Antonio Texas, passed away on March 20, 2014 due to heart failure. He was born to the late Stafford and Delia Williams, February 13, 1933, in Jasper, Texas. James graduated from Jasper High School on May 26 1950. James was drafted into the Army on May 25, 1954 where he served two years in the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, James earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the University of Texas at Austin. James married Melba Sharp on September 6, 1957, and they were happily married for nearly 57 years. James opened two variety stores named “Williams Discount Center” in Greenville, Texas and Henderson, Texas and ran them for several years. He was then hired by Tyler Pipe where he became the South Texas sales manager and moved his family to San Antonio, Texas in 1970. James retired from Tyler Pipe at the age of 55 and remained living in San Antonio, Texas. James enjoyed all outdoor sports, but his passion was fishing. He would always make time to take his family on special fishing trips all around the state of Texas. Each trip was memorable. James was a member of Eisenhauer Road Baptist Church where he coached the softball team for many years. He loved working with kids and trying to make them better. As his children grew older James turned his passion to wood work. He made some beautiful pieces of indoor/outdoor furniture, many of which are still in his family’s homes today. Soon his grandchildren started to arrive and for the past twenty-nine years he focused much of his attention on them, attending every school and sporting event. James looked forward to attending every event he possibly could and his grandchildren became the center of his life. He became one of their biggest cheerleaders and supporters. After years of declining health James was unable to attend many events and his grandchildren soon became his biggest cheerleaders and they always knew he wanted to be there for them and watch them play.

James is survived by his loving wife Melba Williams, daughter Debbie Estrada, son-in-law Victor Estrada, son Steve Williams, daughter-in-law Denise Williams. He is also survived by three granddaughters: Tracy Hodge, Jennifer Guerrero, Tori Estrada and five grandsons: Andrew Estrada, Paul Estrada, Chris Estrada, Timmy Estrada and Will Estrada. James is also blessed with two great-grandchildren: Dalon-French-Fuentes and Brooklyn Guerrero. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. James is preceded in death by his father Stafford Williams, mother Delia Williams, brothers: Kenneth Williams, Jerry Williams, Stafford Williams and sisters: Bertie Munson, Ann Price.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the American Heart Association at: www.heart.org/donate

Visitation will be held at 6:00pm on March 26, 2014, at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Hwy San Antonio, Texas 78218. The funeral service will be held at 9:00am on March 27, 2014, at Sunset Funeral Home with burial to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.