Larry Joe Williams

Joe, the beloved patriarch of our family, dealt with the disease of dementia for at least four years, having been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia disorder. His faith became sight at 9:20 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2025, as he entered the portals of heaven. He was surrounded, not only by angels, but by his family who loved him and who will miss him. Larry Joe Williams was born in Marshall, Texas on January 14, 1943, to his Dad, Glassel F. (Guy) Williams and Mom, Willie Kate Newman Williams Guilliams. He spent his childhood in Harleton, Texas, where he attended school through his senior year, graduating with the class of 1961. He was active in different sports and formed many lasting friendships. He later attended Kilgore Junior College for two years, and then began his vocational career as a master millwright with Brown and Root Construction Company. He retired from this company after 45 years, having earned awards for his tenure. It was there that he met Randy Black, who would become a "brother" and forever friend. Randy preceded him in death in January of 2025, just 5 months prior to Joe. At 21 years of age, Joe met Patty Moore, 19 years of age, during a night of "dragging Grand,” and they gave their lives to each other on June 6, 1964, after 6 months of knowing each other, and they just recently celebrated 61 years of marriage. They made their home in Gill, Texas, a young man from Harleton agreeing to become a lifetime "Gill-Billy." He loved the Gill community, and it was there they chose to start their family. Three daughters were born, to the delight of their parents. First born Lori, then Marni, and then Teri. Joe made a profession of faith at a young age and served the Lord at Friendship Baptist Church in Gill, where he carried out his devotion to the Lord. Whatever leadership role he was given he believed in doing to the best of his ability, serving many years in different capacities and as a deacon. His work ethic and any commitments he made he took very seriously, which earned him the respect he never desired. Joe’s favorite pastime was spent walking long distances on country roads, where he enjoyed the beauty of nature and quiet time with the Lord. Collecting pretty rocks became an everyday activity. He also spent many hours in his shop, building wooden crosses for friends and loved ones. Gold coins never stayed in his pockets for long! Ask any child at Friendship. Dirt track racing, NASCAR, Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, John Wayne, George Foreman, and Walker Texas Ranger (only after advanced dementia) were all his favorites. He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law, Lorena Moore, his stepfather, J.W. Guilliams, his sister, LaJean Williams Dishman and her husband, Johnny Dishman, their son, Jed Dishman and daughter, Jenean Dishman Garner, and his best friend, Randy Black. He is survived by his wife, Patty Williams, his daughters, Lori Williams McWhorter and his favorite son-in-law, Billy McWhorter, his daughter Marni Jo Williams, along with Huck and HereBoy and Ollie, his daughter, Teri Williams, along with Penny Gail and JuneBug, his sister, Pat Jimerson and her children, Bunker and Toni. Grandchildren Candy McWhorter Castillo and husband, Chris, Paul McWhorter and wife, Tommie, Taylor McWhorter, Tatum (Rooster) McWhorter Hasler and husband, Matt, and Great Grandchildren, Drake Furrh, Daigen Barnes, Dylan Thurman, Croix, Dallas and Gracie Castillo, Hayden Heath, Leighton McWhorter, Tate, Olivia, Chance, Nathan, and Tanner Hasler. We will forever be grateful for the wonderful AccentCare Hospice medical team Brittney Beck, Alana Wright, Ashley Basinger, Jessy Kinard, Patty Molina, and Elizabeth Edwards. They became the heroes who God used to truly minister not only to Joe, but to all of us. Sometimes we flippantly say, Gone But Not Forgotten But to my darling Joe, I will never forget you. I have loved you all my life! Thank you to all who have been a part of Joe's life here on earth.