THOMAS EUGENE "GENE" WILLIAMS, 81, of
Breckenridge, TX, died on Feb. 17, 2012 at his
daughter's home in Katy, TX.
Gene was born May 26, 1930 in Ranger, TX to Samuel T.
& Vesta Elizabeth Williams. He attended Ranger High
School in the Class of 1947. He married Evelyn Marie
Hargrave (RHS-1950), his high school sweetheart,
in Sept. of 1949 in Ranger. He served his country
in the Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict. Gene
was a Field Supervisor for BJ Services where he treated
oil wells across Texas and Louisiana for over 40 years.
After a one-year stay at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital
in Houston with his wife Evelyn, Gene received a life-
saving heart transplant in 1996. He exemplified courage
and determination over the past 17 years through numerous
medical challenges. His focus, fight, and will are a
testament to his character and an example for his grand-
children. Pawpaw, as he was known to his grandchildren,
displayed a gentle, kind, loyal and patient nature to
all who knew him. He was happiest when surrounded by
family or tinkering in his garage. He also enjoyed
watching his family play football, the Dallas Cowboys,
and most recently the Houston Texans.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his
wife, Evelyn, of 61 years.
Survivors include daughters Gina Devenport and husband
Mike of Gatesville and Vina Wulf and husband Gary of
Katy; son Kelsey Williams and wife BranDee of Midland;
younger brothers Charles Williams (RHS-1950) and wife
Fran of Georgia and Herbert Williams (RHS-1953) and
wife Mary Jo Stie (RHS-1954) of Ranger; seven grand-
children: Shane Devenport and wife Averie, Michelle
Devenport, Kiely Whitham & husband Tyler, Shanah Wulf,
Colby Wulf, Bryce Williams and wife Paige, and Kam
Williams; and two great-grandchildren: Gwynn Devenport
and Major Williams; and numerous loved ones.