Ralph Walton Williams

Ralph Walton Williams, 90, of Nederland, Texas, slipped peacefully into Gods Hands on October 27, 2017, at Harbor Hospice of Beaumont. He was born on August 26, 1927, to Ethel Mabel Ehret Williams and Robert Louis Williams in Kirbyville, Texas.

He lived in Beaumont, Texas for a number of years, and retired as an instrument/electrical supervisor from Mobil Chemical with 37 years of service. While in Beaumont, Ralph built and flew airplanes as a hobby, and was a pilot and member of the Civil Air Patrol. He served in the military and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1947. He married the love of his life, Rita Petkovsek, on August 21, 1949. Together they had two sons, and were happily married for sixty-one years. He spent time with his sons camping and participating in Boy Scouts. He was also actively involved with Little League baseball as both a coach and an umpire for 15 years. Ralph was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 2461. He spent many hours working on cars and racecars, and was well known for his mechanical expertise. Ralph was an avid fisherman and golfer, and spent time fishing and golfing with his kids and grandkids. He had a sense of adventure and fun that included shooting fireworks, wiener roasts in the back yard, and teaching the grandkids (and great-grandkids) to play poker and baseball. He truly loved spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed by both family and friends.

He is survived by two sons, Steven R. Williams and wife, Paula, of Friendswood; Bradley J. Williams and wife, Stacie, of Port Neches; grandsons, Brad J. Williams and wife, Cindy, of Watsonville, California; Christopher S. Williams and wife, Brittny, of Bridge City; great-grandchildren, Luke, Abigail, Gavin, Kohen and Jaxon Williams; sister-in-law, Billie Matherson; brother-in-law, Gerard Petkovsek and wife, Lois, of Beaumont; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 61 years, Rita Cecelia Petkovsek Williams; grandson, James Conor Williams; his sisters, Elizabeth Holliday and Ethel Baker; and his brothers, Arthur Kenneth Williams, Robert L. Williams, and Emory Williams.

A gathering of Mr. Williams’ family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Friday, November 3, 2017, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 4, 2017, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont. The family invites you to join them for food and fellowship at Broussard’s Centre, 1775 Calder, Beaumont, upon their return from the cemetery.

The family would like to express sincere appreciation to Maria Quintero and Magdalena Barragan for all the years of kindness and outstanding care you have provided.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, 2006 Nall Street, Port Neches, Texas 77651.