John Edward Williams

John Edward Williams of Woodbine, TX went to be with his Lord on Monday, April 11, 2016. John was born on January 12, 1944 to Hardy Elijah and Delma Lee Williams in Ardmore, OK. He lived his life with the passion that many could only hope for. He and his wife of over 50 years greeted strangers and loved ones alike – with a hearty hug and the greeting that, “In our family, we are huggers.” He never met a stranger. If he didn’t know you, he knew your parents.

John and Linda Thompson were married at Linda’s parent’s home on December 12, 1964 in Garland, TX. Their marriage produced two daughters, Rhonda Mordecai of Sulphur, OK and Kay Carr of Woodbine, TX.

The Williams Ranch in Woodbine, TX was established in 1977. John worked hard on and off the ranch with gusto and strength-it brought many happy memories for all they loved. His daughters remember their dad as a fearless man, even once trying to scare them with a dune buggy dash up Pike’s Peak, and man who could fix anything. He selflessly gave his life away to many.

In addition to his beloved Linda, John is survived by their daughters, Rhonda and Kay, seven grandchildren: Jered Sikes and wife Mary Sikes, Jacob Sikes and fiancé Hilary Lierow, Melinda Culbertson and husband Phillip Culbertson, Heath Spradlin and fiancé Elizabeth Zimmerman, Coyt Spradlin and wife Taylor Spradlin, Brandy Carr, Courtney Carr and Rachel Bailey and six great-grandchildren: Kendyl Sikes, Madilee Culbertson, Darcy Sikes, Cayden Culbertson, Bladen Spradlin and MaKynlee Spradlin. John is also survived by his siblings James T. Williams of Woodbine, TX, Vivian Cummings of Winston-Salem, NC, Larue Beal of Gainesville, TX and David Fine, of Meeker, OK.

John was a leader in his family. He was a life coach to his daughters and a mentor and a legend to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren-to them and many others he was known as Papa. He was a hard worker, gave graciously, loved his family fiercely and will be missed deeply.

John was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters Myrtle Bailey and Rebecca Kitrell.

A funeral service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 15, 2016 at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home with Bro. Casey Fine and Bro. Steve Ledford officiating. Interment will follow at Nelson Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 14 at the funeral home.

Serving as pallbearers are: Jered Sikes, Jacob Sikes, Heath Spradlin, Coyt Spradlin, Phillip Culbertson, and Benny Hooper; Honorary: Gene Baugh, Fidel Garza, and Barney Gilbreath.

The family requests that light blue be worn in remembrance of PawPaw.