John Howard Williams
John Howard Williams, 79, of Beaumont, went to be with God on Monday, July 24, 2023. He was born August 9, 1943, to Catherine Gisch Williams and H.B. Williams of Beaumont. John was a man who never met a stranger, who loved all people, and more than anything cherished the relationships in his life.
Above all else, John’s relationship with God was the most important thing to him. He never hesitated to pray over anyone or remind them of their creator. He was an active member of the congregation at First United Methodist Church Beaumont from the time he was baptized there until he passed. John not only attended church on Sunday’s, but gave back by teaching the Pathfinders Sunday School class and Youth Sunday School. While some may remember John by his commanding voice, everyone will remember by the words spoken from it. His compassion and love for Jesus showed through his every word and action.
His relationship with his family was a close second for John. Being married to the love of his life, Sandra, for 57 years, and raising their 4 children together meant everything to him. John was a devoted husband and father and worked hard to provide for his family. He taught his children the importance of treating people with kindness, how to work hard to get results, and how to be respectful and mature from a young age.
During his life, John owned and operated Industrial Plastics and worked at Beaumont Bone and Joint Deli as well as Zummo Meat Company. In his free time, he made it a point to spend time in his community, giving back and making even more relationships with the people around him.
Given his love of sports, he was a coach, umpire, and board member at West End Little League as well as Little Dribblers, and was a member of his bowling league. He volunteered with the PTA, was a member of the BISD School Board, and the BPM Club. During the holidays John even volunteered to be Santa Claus, bringing joy and laughter to the kids of Beaumont year after year.
His passion for people, community, family, and God will be his legacy. He will be remembered as a man of integrity, strength, compassion, and faith.
John is survived by his wife, Sandra Williams; children Troy Williams and his wife, Julee Greeson Williams, of Frisco; Kimberly Williams, of Beaumont; Kelley Williams of Beaumont; and Trent Williams and his wife, Kelly Rush Williams, of Pearland; grandchildren, Tanner, Keegan, Remi, Trinity, Rush, Tate, and Holly Williams; and nephew, Chuck Williams.
He is preceded in death by his parents, H.B. and Catherine Williams; brother, Charles T. “Spanky” Williams and his wife, Margaret Williams; and niece, Cathy Minton.
A gathering of Mr. Williams’ family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 28, 2023, at First United Methodist Church, 701 Calder Avenue, Beaumont. His interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont. A gathering will follow the services at 1:00 p.m., at JW’s Patio, 6420 Phelan Boulevard, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First United Methodist Church, 701, Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77701, or to Arrow Child and Family Ministries, 4810 Ward Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77705.
this tribute was written by his granddaughter, Keegan Williams.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- July 27, 2023
- 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Funeral Service
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- July 28, 2023
- 10:00 am
Interment
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
- 4955, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
I’m sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family and God’s comfort. I remember John and Sandra coming to Hilda and Dynamites (my parents) when I was little. May God Bless!
Sandra and family,
So sorry to be so late to share my condolences, I have been ill and in hospital. John was truly a bigger than life personality. Always left me with a smile when we crossed paths. It took a class reunion to realize we went to junior high together. My heart hurts for you’ll and grief is different for all, but I lost my husband in Jan. so have an idea and do pray for you as you adjust to your terrible loss. God bless
Heaven is celebrating that John is home. It’s not easy, as I have had to do this twice. We have to remember this is only a temporary home here. God gives us choices to make and John chose to give his life to Jesus. That in itself, is why we know we will meet again. May God comfort you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. John always brought a smile to my face with his big, handsome smile and funny comments. Sandra, the two of you raised an extraordinary family and I can only imagine how much he will be missed by all of you. I’m currently out of the country, otherwise I would have been at his service. Prayers for all of you as you work through this difficult time.
RIP …John.many Many memories we made over the years.my Friend John was a good God loving man.Sandra it was a pleasure knowing the Williams family for Many years.
You and all the family will be in my prayers
RIP John ..God bless
Kim,
My deepest sympathy to you, your Mom and all the family. I just saw the obit. I wish that I could have been at your Dad’s services. What an OUTSTANDING MAN!!! With love and prayers, Corinne
Sandra,
I was so sorry to hear about John’s passing. I have great memories of both of you. From school board meetings, Santa Claus at Bibles and Bikes, and then cooking at BBJ. He was such a special person. He touch many lives. Peace and prayers for you and your family
I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Williams passing. I have many fond memories of him as I grew up playing baseball at West End Little League. Whether it was his daughter Kim’s coaching or his stern (but fair) umpiring, the William’s family was a major part of my young life as they were with so many that played baseball at West End. I will keep the family in my prayers. God Bless!
Proud moment to have known and worked with John at BBJI. He was loved, respected and admired. He will be missed and fondly remembered.
We are blessed to attend church with Trent, Kelly and kids in Pearland. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sandra and extended family.
Keegan’s tribute is beautiful; every word is true and a bullseye! Even so, you had to know the guy to get a full measure of his bigger-than-life persona. Even Heaven is brighter, more lovely and more vibrant with John there.
Sandra and the entire Williams family:
Maryanne and I were very sorry to hear about John’s passing. I remember back to the good old days and how John made us smile and laugh as we would talk about the events of the day.
RIP John
Pete and Maryanne Martines
As a catcher at West End Little League in the 80’s, Mr Williams umpired many of our games. To this day, I still feel bad for moving out of the way of WILD pitches from Gaile Henry and Robert Douds resulting in Mr.Williams taking one for the team.
Yet he always managed to call Balls and Strikes as they were, endearing him to us all.
Respectfully,
Matt Hall
I am so sorry to hear of Mr Williams passing. My favorite childhood memories include the amazing neighbors we had including you all. Praying for your all in your time of grief.
Sincerely
Niki (Martines) Rhodes
Kelley and Family,
What a beautiful tribute to your dad. I am so sorry for your loss and please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I know I will think of you often, remembering to lift you up in the days ahead. I know the memories of your dad will always be special. He sounds like an amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend. God bless you all.
Great man. Always friendly when our paths crossed. Spent many years in school together. Also some league bowling.
Please accept our deepest condolences from the Langford and McCauley families. We have wonderful memories of HB and Mrs. Catherine from A&P Grocery, their home off of Concord, and at Dam B. John Howard was a great part of those memories. I’ll never forget the final time I saw him. And, it was always a great pleasure when I ran into him in Beaumont. He always made me feel welcomed and his presence always brought me back to A&P and my grandfather and HB. Rest In Peace, John.
We can only say amen to everything that has been written about John. John was our neighbor for over 30 years and we worked with him in sports and school business. He was our friend and someone we could count on. Our prayers are with his family.
Precious Williams Family,
My sons and I as well as all the Crenshaws, ache with you! What an epic loss of this amazing, funny , wonderful, larger than life man! I have so many happy and fun moments with him from my earliest memories at FUMC and then for my sons to grow up loving him at “ Bone and Joint” which was the highlight of their younger orthopedic adventures when we could combine our visits with a breakfast sandwich from your Dad! What a gift he was to us and our whole greater community! We love you all and ache with you and thank God that we got to live our lives with the love of this amazing man!
Love and prayers, Heather “ new shoes” as he always called me
I can only echo Gene Robyler’s comments. To know John was to love him. I have nothing but fond memories of the Williams family. John had a lasting fingerprint on Beaumont. I remember Sandra ,Cindy, and Brenda Ford sitting in the stands of baseball games acting like that did not know the umpires. We had some great times. Our prayers are with you
As an umpire when John Williams stepped onto the field there was no doubt who was in charge of the game. He didn’t miss a thing including a catcher without a mask warming up a pitcher far down the sideline. One of his daughters played on the Little League boys team and was a pretty durn good player.
Our deepest condolences to yawls sweet family.
I will miss seeing Mr. Williams always stopping by my desk to say hi at the OPP, prayers to all of you in this difficult time!!
John was a honorable man, a family man, a Christian and a tireless worker in whatever he did. I am sorry we are currently out of town but my heart is with you.
Sandra & Family,
John was a much beloved member of our BBJI Family!! Always looked forward to his sarcastic remarks & his laugh when I would go into the deli!! He always made it interesting & fun!! Thought about him many, many times since he retired. I keep one of his hats on my file cabinet!! He will be missed.
Sandra, I will continue to keep you & all the family in my prayers!! Praying God gives you tons of wonderful memories to help you though this most difficult time.
With My Deepest Sympathy,
Diane Bowen
Terry and I are so saddened to hear of John’s passing. He was a wonderful man who contributed so much to the people of Beaumont. Please know that our hearts and prayers are with you all.
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. I have such fond memories of Mr Williams while growing up down the street from your family. Thoughts and prayers for your entire family
Annie Martines Clary
I am so very sorry to hear of Mr. Williams passing. I have many fond memories of spending time with Kim and Kelly at your house back in the old days. My deepest sympathies to the entire Williams family.
My heart goes out to the Williams family. John was a wonderful guy and I was proud to call him my friend. From our first meeting and conversation at West End Little League, to our last, a year or so ago in his driveway, John was always a gentleman, with a quick wit, and a friendly smile. My sincerest condolences to Sandra, Troy, Kim, Kelley and all the Williams family. May you Rest in Peace, my friend.
John holds a special place in my heart as he was such a big part of my memories growing up in Beaumont and FUMC. Prayers to the Williams family during this difficult time.
Jennifer (Brady) Gampper
Sandra our prayer are with you. Always think of John when I make vegatble soup which John told me how.
My heart goes out to the family. May God embrace your tears and being you comfort.
John Williams was a very special man to his family and many friends. John will be missed by all who loved him and our memories of John will live on i our hearts.
John was very special to my family. He and his family sat on the same pew as my family did at FUMC for years. He was a fine family man and loved by so many. Rest in peace John. Prayers for Sandra, Troy, Kimberly, Kelley, Troy.
Sandra, Troy, Kim, Kelly and Trent our prayers are extended to each of you and your families. Our LOVE AND RESPECT FOR JOHN AND ALL OF YOU ARE EXTENDED.
God Bless.
Gene
I am not sure how words could describe John Williams. To know him, to experience him is the only way to say you have experienced John. Janice Roblyer my mother babysit the kids. John and I coached against each other always with the greatest of competition and life. John contributed to life in so many ways, husband, father, coach, grandfather. West End Little League is a better organization because of John Williams. Beaumont is a better town because of John Williams. First United Methodist Church is stronger with John Williams.
So from Carolyn, Gene, Brian, Kevin and Brad we love John Williams and his entire Family.
RIP GOD BLESS
GENE
I’m so happy that God gave you all time to say goodbye. That’s important in the grieving process. You were all blessed to have that wonderful man in your life 🙏🏻
I know God will help you all through this difficult time. God is good🙏🏻❤️