Charles Williams

Charles ‘Ray’ Williams, 70, of Abilene awakened to eternal life on Friday, August 7, 2020 with the love of his life, Alice, by his side.  He was born to Lillian Randle on March 24, 1950 in Clarksdale, Mississippi and raised by his Uncle and Aunt, Frank and Willie Mae Dyess.  He graduated from Higgins High School in Clarksdale and earned his degree in Public Speaking and Recreation from Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas.  Ray was recruited to play basketball at Hardin Simmons and during his college career, he held the record for points scored in a single season for two consecutive years and was the leading rebounder for the Cowboys.  After graduation, Ray was a graduate assistant, helping the Cowboys recruit high school athletes to play basketball from around the country.  Ray led a life of service as the Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Abilene and retiring from the Betty Hardwick Center as the Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Authority Services Director.

He married Alice, in 1972, who survives him. Ray is also survived by daughter Bliss Jordan and husband Jared of Fort Worth, sons Dustin Williams of Abilene and Rodney Johnson of Houston, as well as a host of grandchildren.  Ray was predeceased by his mother, Lillian Randle, his Uncle Frank Dyess and Aunt, Willie Mae Dyess.  He has several brothers and sisters that reside in Kansas City, Kansas and Aurora, Colorado.

Ray was known for his love of helping others.  He had a servant’s heart, always showing empathy, compassion and kindness, humbling himself to meet the needs of others.  Along with his colleague, Ray traveled across the country focusing his efforts on the inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the workplace, educational settings and in the community.  Ray took pride in and helping others realize their potential as much as he did.  He was lighthearted, wise and funny, making laughing with his friends and family a priority in his life.

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Our family would like to thank everyone that was a part of Ray’s life.