Wadie Roland Williams, Sr. Obituary (1920 - 2013)

Wadie Roland Williams Sr. was born October 19, 1920 in Center, Texas to the late Charlie and Evalina Williams. He was preceded in death by Mary Jane Williams, his loving wife of 49 years. He was also preceded by his brothers and sisters; Grady, Johnnie, Charles, Clyde, James, Bruce, Robert, Billy Reba, and Hazel. After an honorable discharge for service in the US Navy, he began his civilian career with the United States Conservation Corp constructing State roads and freeways mostly in the East Texas area. He permanently settled in Galveston over 60 years ago and began working until retirement from the Galveston Wharves as a longshoreman of ILA Local No 1504 and a roundhouseman for Santa Fe Railroad. He also enjoyed working with his brothers Charles and Bruce Sr. at the family business the Vagabond Club and was an avid fisherman with his brother Clyde. Mr. Williams peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, January 29th, 2013 at his home. He leaves to cherish his memory, his four sons and daughters-in-law; Wadie Jr. and Dallas, Kenneth and Dianne, Darrell and Karen, Jarrett and Djuanna; and his only daughter and son-in-law, Marcia and Billy Estelle; and his last sibling and devoted sister, ImaFaye Kay. Known to his legacy as "Paw-Paw", Wadie Sr. was also the blessed grandfather to 12 grandchildren; Ragayle Yates, Melodie Austin, Nathaniel Williams, Teresa Williams, Devin Williams, Aja Williams, Arin Williams, Lorin Williams, Alexis Williams, Cecily Williams, Cheyenne and Kennedy Estelle. He was also blessed with 12 great-grandchildren; Chancie, Chance, Jordan, Donovan, Dorean, Stephen, Josiah, Dylan, Chancellor (CJ), Taylor, Sagan and Adrian; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was blessed in his last years with devoted friends Vera Carter, Avis Phillips, Rose Johnson, Delbert Clay and John A Thomas, his brother-in-law and close friend of many years. He also enjoyed the being "grandfather" to 7 honorary grandchildren. Until his health declined Mr. Williams attended the Ave L. Baptist Church where his memorial service will be held Friday, Feb.8th (family gathering 10:30am and the memorial at 11:00am). 'Honor your father and mother, as the Lord God has commanded you, So that you may live long and that it may go well with you In the land the LORD your God is giving you.' ~Deuteronomy 5:16