06/11/2026
Dr. Willie Frank Williams, Sr.
Dr. Willie Frank Williams, Sr., a native Central Texan, was born on March 19, 1937, and raised in McGregor, Texas, where he attended public schools. As a McGregor Bulldog, Dr. Williams embodied the spirit of a true scholar-athlete, excelling in both football and basketball while maintaining a fierce commitment to his academics. His hard work and sharp mind earned him the distinct honor of graduating as the Salutatorian of the McGregor High School Class of 1956.
Dr. Williams continued his educational journey at Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas, where he continued to excel in the classroom and on the playing fields. Choosing to study Kinesiology and History, he discovered a lifelong calling for mentorship and education. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Paul Quinn College in 1960. Driven to advance his impact, he later earned a Master’s Degree in Administration from Prairie View A&M University in 1965 and capped his academic journey by earning his Doctorate of Philosophy Degree from Sherwood University in 2003. The true reward for Dr. Williams’ hard work did not come in titles or accolades, but in the people he influenced along the way.
A Dedication to Educational Leadership
Dr. Williams began his illustrious forty plus-year career in education in 1961 at the Gatesville State School for Boys, where his natural leadership quickly led to a promotion to Principal—a role he held with distinction for fourteen years. In 1965, Dr. Williams moved to Waco and joined the ranks of educators in the Waco Independent School District. He took the helm as the Principal of G. L. Wiley Middle School for four years before transitioning to the high school level to proudly serve as the Principal of Waco High School for the next eight years. Following the closure of the Waco High campus, he returned to G.L. Wiley and dedicated another seven years to students and staff on this campus until his first retirement in 1993.
Unable to stay away from the mission of helping youth, Dr. Williams returned to the educational arena with the Texas Youth Commission and served as the Principal of the Marlin and Mart Orientation and Assessment Unit for twelve years before his final retirement. As a former principal and mentor, he believed academics mattered, but character mattered more as he poured that belief into his family and generations of students who learned from him.
Commitment of Faith, Community, and Service
Dr. Williams lived with quiet strength, deep faith, and a heart that gave endlessly. His life was a gift to those who knew him, and his love will live on forever in his family, in his friends, and in the lives he touched through his unwavering commitment to his community. He was a lifetime member of the Texas Association of Secondary Principals and a lifetime member of the NAACP. Dr. Williams was a pillar of the Second Missionary Baptist Church. He walked out his faith daily and served his church community faithfully as a Deacon, a Senior Usher, and a member of the Brotherhood Ministry and the D.B. Black Sunday School.
class. After retirement, Dr. Williams dedicated his life to serving the elderly by volunteering at Meals On Wheels for many years and using his personal gifts to provide meals and service to a few senior citizens in the community.
A Devotion to Family Legacy
While Dr. Williams received numerous awards, honors and public acknowledgements throughout his life, his greatest and most beloved titles were those of SON to the late Norah E. and Annie B. Williams, BROTHER to the late G. B. Williams, the late Zelma Reed (G. T.), the late Maggie Perry (John), the late Nora Williams, BROTHER-IN-LOVE to the late Rose Williams, the late Charles “Shack” Warner and Ulysses “Joe” Wells (Harriett) and UNCLE to the late Michael Perry; HUSBAND to the beloved Robbie Lee Wells Williams, better known to Willie as “Honey” with whom he shared seventy beautiful, inspiring, and enduring years of courtship and marriage; Together, they raised three accomplished children who were the pride of his life as he was FATHER to Willie, Jr. (Sharon), the Late Cassandra Joy Purnell (Antonio, Sr.), and Gregory, Sr. (Yolanda); He cherished the role of GRANDFATHER to five granddaughters, Alexandria Williams, Laronda Lias, Jasmine Purnell, Wynden Williams, and Jessica Purnell; one grandson, Gregory “Boo” Williams, Jr., two step-grandsons, Antonio Purnell, Jr., and Cameron Purnell, and one great-granddaughter, Kamryn Cook. To them all, he was affectionately and adorably known as “POPPE’.” Willie is also survived by his BROTHER, Joseph Williams, Sr., and his SISTER-IN-LOVE, Cordelia “CD” Warner; UNCLE to his numerous nieces and nephews as their beloved “Uncle Willie and Uncle F”—a constant source of wisdom, love, and support. He also had two bonus children Betty Austin (Austin, TX) and Steve Bouye (Atlanta, GA). Willie loved his family immensely, and everything he did-every decision, every sacrifice-was to give them the best life he could. He never wanted them to doubt, even for a moment, how deeply they were loved.
Forever In Our Hearts
As we say goodbye to this gentle giant, we recognize that his impact will endure, his dreams will inspire, and his memory will be cherished forevermore. He leaves behind a legacy as big as his heart—and a family who will forever honor their favorite Dallas Cowboys fan and barbecue king. A man who loved and lived according to Scripture now lives in the truth of 2 Corinthians 5:8, “Yes, We are of good courage, and we would rather be absent from the body and at home with the Lord.
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