Cecil Ray Williams, 75, of Call and a former longtime resident of Bridge City, died Monday, January 20, 2014.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 25, 2014, at St. Henry Catholic Church in Bridge City, with Father Steven Leger officiating. Graveside services will follow at 3:00 p.m. Saturday at Mitchell Cemetery in Anacoco, Louisiana.
Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Friday at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City, with a rosary at 6:00 p.m.
Born in Leesville, Louisiana, on February 3, 1938, Cecil was the son of Jesse Wilkerson and Mary Jane (Marcus) Williams. He was a member of St. Henry Catholic Church, where he served as a member of the choir. Cecil loved music and instilled that same love of music in his children. He owned Cecil’s Grocery in Bridge City for many years, and started Cecil’s Garage Door Service after closing the grocery store.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sister; and infant son, John Robert.
Cecil is survived by his sons and their spouses, Mark and Judi Williams of Sugar Land, Bradley and Connie Williams of College Station, Michael and Ting Williams of Austin, Matthew Williams of Call; and daughters, Jennifer Williams of Wylie, Angela Williams and spouse, Amy DeLay of Round Rock. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tyler Williams, Justin Williams, Ryan Williams, Garrett Williams, Lauren Williams, Cassidy Williams, Tori Williams, Noelle Williams, and Jaden Williams; and sister, Ruby Luce and husband Thomas of Buda, TX.
Serving as Pallbearers will be Justin Williams, Tyler Williams, Mark Williams, Bradley Williams, Michael Williams, and Matthew Williams. Honorary Pallbearers will be Larry Gurney, Dow Gene Anderson, Max Pelham, and Kirk Roccaforte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas, 2780 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, TX 77703.
Condolences
Kara Hagen
May 1, 2014
Matt, I just heard about your dad, and I am so sorry. I know that everyone loved him. I remember going to his store with my dad when I was a kid. My dad bought me a root beer, but then he and Cecil just kept talking and talking, and I thought I would never get to drink it! I hope you are doing well these days. Matt and I think about you all the time. Maybe we can get together sometime. If you ever want to email me, my address is kbhagen at gmail dot com. Much love to you and your family, Kara Rutledge Hagen
Johna Trahan
January 27, 2014
Words cannot express the love I have for Cecil and his family. I know that each of you have special memories and bonds. I have had many laughs, and quiet a few tears (of happiness and a few trials), with this great big wonderful family and am confident that Cecil is not far away from any of you! Cecil loved his music and as you each know, music is a special kind of medicine or therapy. The words of the Toby Keith song keep playing through my mind: "I’m gonna miss that smile I’m gonna miss you my friend Even though it hurts the way it ended up I’d do it all again So play it sweet in heaven ‘Cause that’s right where you wanna be I’m not crying 'case I feel so sorry for you I’m crying for me" I am crying for me and my freinds. Play is sweet in Heaven Cecil! I love you! Johna
Mary Delgado
January 27, 2014
MY NAME IS MARY DELGADO - RAYNOR GARAGE DOOR CUSTOMER SERVICE- DIXON,IL .JUST HEARD OF THE PASSING OF CECIL- I AM VERY SORRY. WHAT A WONDERFUL PERSON- I LOVED TALKING WITH HIM , AND ENJOYED WORKING WITH HIM THROUGH THE YEARS. GOD BLESS YOU ALL SINCERELY- MARY DELGADO MDELGADO@RAYNOR.COM
Dwight
January 24, 2014
Brad, Connie, Justin, Ryan and Garrett, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Dwight and Martha
Cindy Flowers
January 24, 2014
Cecil was a very kind man , He would sing my name when I came in the store , that always made me smile. Prayer's for his family, he will be missed. Cindy Flowers
Mike Mcdonell
January 24, 2014
I will never forget playing with Cecil at the Nutty Brown Cafe in Austin. It was as real honor and privilege with he and his son Michael on stage. Genuinely great man. -Mike McDonell
Jennifer Murillo
January 24, 2014
Memories of The Heart Feel no guilt in laughter, He knows how much you care. Feel no sorrow in a smile That he’s not here to share. You cannot grieve forever, He would not want you to. He’d hope that you would carry on The way you always do. So talk about the good times And the ways you showed you cared. The days you spent together, All the happiness you shared. Let the memories surround you, A word someone may say Will suddenly recapture A time, an hour, a day. That brings him back as clearly As though he were still here, And fills you with the feelings That he is always near. For if you keep those memories You will never be apart And he will live forever Locked safe within your heart Angela, Cass and Amy, We love you all so much and our hearts hurt so much to see you all having to go through such a rough time. You and the family are all lifted in our prayers. Much Love, Jenn Murillo and Boys
Jimmie Lou James
January 24, 2014
WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS OUR SYMPATHY TO CECIL'S PRECIOUS FAMILY,AND HE ALWAYS LET US KNOW HOW PRECIOUS ALL OF HIS FAMILY WAS. HE WILL CERTAINLY BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM-ALL HIS FRIDAY NIGHT GUITAR PICKING FUN LOVING FRIENDS @ DOUG BURCH'S. MUCH LOVE & PRAYERS TO ALL THE FAMILY. J.B.&JIMMIE LOU JAMES
Jimmy And Judy Guidry
January 24, 2014
Our deepest condolences to the Williams family in the loss of Cecil Williams. Prayers for strength in the days to come. We will always remember Cecil with his smiling, gentle ways and his ever so promptness in helping us with our maintenance needs. He will be missed dearly. Respects, Jimmy and Judy Guidry
Kathy Mercer
January 24, 2014
We'd like to send our condolences to the family. We enjoyed knowing Cecil. He' s installed garage doors at three of our houses. He was an asset to the community & to St. Henry' s Catholic Church. He will surely be missed. RIP, Jerry & Kathy Mercer
Jerry M.
January 23, 2014
Jerry M. purchased the Love Everlasting Bouquet for the family of Cecil Ray Williams.
Darrell W. Gurney
January 23, 2014
My condolences to the Williams family. I spent a lot of my childhood around Cecil, with either my mom working the register in his store or else hanging out with his son Brad as a best friend in Junior High. The most notable thing about Cecil, in my memory at least, was that he was always jolly and joking. Of course, he surely had the same challenges and issues that we all do in life, and yet you could count on his booming, happy voice to say something cheery and playful when you saw him. He didn't traffic in gloom. Always a bright and jovial light. My thoughts to all who were touched by him and his passing, and hopefully the funeral celebration of his life will be just that: a celebration. I think he would have wanted it that way.
June G.
January 23, 2014
June G. purchased a sympathy card for the family of Cecil Ray Williams.
Larry Gurney
January 23, 2014
Cecil was one of the best friends I've ever had and I will miss him greatly. There are many memories I could share about Cecil -- most of them are comical ones because that's what Cecil was all about (good-natured, good-hearted, and fun-loving). On a trip back from Biloxi once, we stopped to eat breakfast and it was Cecil's time to pay. My wife happened to get a piece of broken china in her scrambled eggs. Of course, they replaced the food, apologized, and did not charge for any of our meals. Cecil stated "I know how to save money from now on; I will always carry an envelope with some broken glass in it." I told him that was a good idea as long as he put it in his own plate. Larry Gurney
Pat (First Realty Orange)
January 23, 2014
Such a sad loss for us here on earth. My prayers are with all of you during this time. Mr. Cecil was a truly nice man. I never met him in person but I laughed with him on the phone just a few days ago. God be with you all.
Angie Mercer
January 23, 2014
Prays go out to the Williams Family sorry would could not be there someone close to the passed away we will keep him in our prays he will be missed dearly was a real good men . From the mercer family
Jada Gentile
January 23, 2014
Jada Gentile lit a candle in memory of Cecil Ray Williams
Jada Gentile
January 23, 2014
Cecil was my friend One of the best men I ever met. He was a kind, sweet, gentle . Once he knew you he knew you he remembered you always. I loved him as a man and a very good friend always. my sorrow goes out to each of you cause I know he was a good dad and grand dad he spoke so sweet and kind about each of you
Anonymous
January 22, 2014
Emerald Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Cecil Ray Williams.
Debbie And Gene Rampy
January 22, 2014
Debbie and Gene Rampy purchased the Emerald Garden Basket for the family of Cecil Ray Williams.
Jerry Windham
January 22, 2014
our Condolences to Cecil's family. My family and friends have always appreciated him as I have. He will be missed greatly for his talents and friendship. Jerry Windham