Gail Williams

Gail Williams, longtime Terrell resident and beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend passed away November 14, 2019. Gail was born March 9, 1930 in Potts County, Oklahoma to John R. and Clarabel Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Georgia Hart and Evelyn Branscum and brother, Boyce Williams. Gail grew up near Shawnee, Oklahoma and on August 8, 1948, he married the love of his life, and constant companion, Betty Sue Blevins in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He and Betty moved to Terrell when he was 20 years old and she was 18 to open Terrell’s first Dairy Queen store which they owned and operated until 1963. He later co-founded Y-Not Better Papers which was eventually acquired by Bunzl Papercraft USA. Gail continued with Bunzl until his retirement 1997. In retirement Gail was able to spend more time with those he loved. He and Betty were his grandchildren’s greatest fans and supporters. Regardless of the activity, they could be counted on as taxi drivers, cheerleaders or counselors. Gail was an active member, teacher and deacon of East End Baptist Church, later known as First Missionary Baptist. In his later years, he became a member of First Baptist Church. From 1998-2010 they were involved with Baptist Church Builders in various locations helping to design, build and repair worship centers for smaller congregations in locations across the United States. Gail’s many hobbies included coaching little league baseball, girls' softball, church basketball, officiating high school football, golfing and hunting. These activities created wonderful memories and lifelong friends. Gail leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 71 years, Betty Williams of Forney; son, Steve Williams and wife, Debbie, of Terrell; daughters; Suzan Wooten and husband, Terry of Forney and Pam DeFord and husband, Jim of Justin, Texas. Grandchildren, Matt Williams and wife Angela; Marty Williams and wife, Michelle; Kristen (Wooten) Higginson and husband, Dan; Stephanie Wooten-Quijada and husband, Andrés, Jamie (DeFord) Wallum and husband, Jason; and Jeremy DeFord. Great-Grandchildren, Eli, Emerson, Easton, Everett, Colby, Gabe, Emily, Wyatt, Addison, Trace and Chloe; sister, Eleanor Munn; brother-in-law, Delbert Mueller and wife, Paula, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 19th, 2019 at First Baptist Church, 403 North Catherine, Terrell, Texas with interment to follow at College Mound Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel. Memorials may be made to Jacksonville College, 105 B. J. Albritton Drive, Jacksonville, Texas 75766.

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Gail Williams

March 9, 1930 - November 14, 2019