John Raymond (Ray) Williams, 89, of Midland, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2022, at home, while holding his loving wife’s hand, surrounded by family members who love him dearly. Most often known as Ray Williams or Papaw, he was born July 9, 1932, in Ector County, Texas. He married his lifelong best-friend, Jackie Lee Kinsey, on July 29, 1950, for a wonderful, loving, dedicated marriage of 71 years. A lifelong resident of Midland, Papaw graduated from Midland High School in 1949, the same school as his eventual bride and life-long partner. Ray Williams worked for The Superior Oil Company (eventually owned by Exxon Mobil) for over 37 years as a geological scout. As was with his marriage, raising his children and grandchildren, and how he lived his life, his professional career illuminated his integrity-driven lifestyle – one of honesty, dedication, and unflinching loyalty to those around him. Additionally, Ray lettered in varsity baseball at Midland High School and played semi-professional baseball – until he began coaching his children in little league baseball. His love for sports, coaching, and the youth was passed on to all of his children and all of his grandchildren. Both he and his loving wife loved traveling via motorhome to bluegrass festivals, as he loved music and togetherness – in addition to being an outdoor enthusiast, especially fishing and camping, a passion he passed on to his family members. Papaw exemplified a life of integrity. His every action clearly demonstrated how incredibly devoted he was to his best-friend and wife, Jackie Williams, and all of his children and grandchildren. But his loyalty extended beyond even family, as Ray was always, no matter what, willing to lend a helping, caring hand to those around him. A man of principle, Papaw never excluded or judged those around him, opting instead to see the best in everyone he encountered. An inspiration and joy to all who interacted with Ray Williams, he will forever be in the hearts of those who were blessed to call him family and friend. John Raymond Williams celebrated a large family of four children and many grandchildren: Billy Williams, Deborah Reese, David Williams, and Raymond Williams, 11 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 1 great, great grandchild on the way. Billy Williams and David Williams preceded their father, Ray, in death, but are now reunited and loving one another as they watch over the Williams Family and the next generation. Papaw served proudly as a father-figure for all of his grandchildren, teaching each grandchild what he valued most in life. A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Willowbrook Funeral Home Chapel, 1311 W. Florida Avenue, Midland, Texas, 79701. Please join the Williams Family as we celebrate Ray Williams’ amazing legacy and life. To place online condolences, please visit www.willowbrk.com.
Published by Midland Reporter-Telegram from Mar. 1 to Mar. 2, 2022.
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