Earl “Neal” Williams, 82, of Gilmer, TX passed away Saturday, August 15, 2020. He was born March 21, 1938 in Poteau, OK to Reginald Bell & Nancy Ann (Willis) Williams. He attended Goodland Indian School in Hugo, OK and graduated from Chilocco Indian School in 1957. He served in the Army in Company C. 45th Infantry Division and was honored to be a Choctaw Veteran. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife JoAnn; daughter, Natalie; brothers, James Kenneth, David, Harrell, Robert; and sister Virginia (Williams) Johnson.
Some of Neal’s early childhood years were at Goodland Presbyterian Home for Indian children, near Hugo, OK. His seven siblings were there with him and after Neal completed ninth grade, he and his younger brother and sister, Reg and Ramona, were transferred to Chilocco Indian Agricultural School, near Newkirk, OK. By this time, his older siblings had graduated and moved on. At Chilocco, Neal’s chosen vocation/trade was Dry Cleaning and Pressing and he excelled in academics and athletics. He was in the National Honor Society, Dry Cleaning Club, Senior Class Officer, Lettermen’s Club (football, basketball, baseball) and was a member of the National Guard. It’s been stated that Neal was an exemplary role model as an upperclassman during his school years at Chilocco. Following graduation, Neal’s military service took him to Germany for a tour of duty. After fulfilling that obligation with an honorable discharge from the US Army, he settled in the Dallas area where he and his wife, JoAnn, met and were married fifty years.
Family interests and job opportunities allowed Neal to move around the East Texas area, with his last residence in Gilmer, TX. He retired from his position of Crew Supervisor at Trees USA Wholesale Plant Nursery, Lindale, TX. He enjoyed the opportunity to be outdoors in this job setting but probably not as much as he enjoyed being in his fishing boat on most any lake. His interest in sports, both as a participant and spectator continued throughout his lifetime.
Neal became a Christian at an early age and was a member of Goodland Presbyterian Church. He shared a loved for God through his love for family and friends, was very approachable and had a wellspring of good stories that he was always ready to share. Who of us has not heard some of his stories and seldom the same ones. Recalling those stories can give you much joy and put a smile on your face. Try it! Brother, Reg, recalls years that he and Neal were very competitive, no doubt because of the age proximity but in the big picture of life, it was Neal who was acknowledging, supporting, encouraging and telling stories of family accomplishments. Sister, Ramona, recalls the lifelong journey shared with Neal and other siblings and considers it a blessing and a great honor to have shared the same journey.
Survivors include his daughter, Carrie (Slatter) Weedon and husband Ben; grandson, Bailey Slatter all of Portland, OR; brother, Reggie and wife Barbara Williams of Idabel, OK; sister, Ramona and husband Dr. William McCready of Seneca, MO.
He also was loved by his granddaughter summer, great grand children courtney, Mitchell, alena, Jackie, walker, and my husband Chris.
ReplyDeleteAlong with his two great great grandchildren, Alex and javi.