ALLEN RAY WILLIAMS, SR.

Allen Ray Williams, Sr. was born on March 6, 1952, the third child born to Elroy and Jo Ethel Williams in Hallettsville, Texas.  Parents, one brother (Elroy, Jr.) and one sister (Sheri Lynn “Cheese”) preceded him in death. Allen attended Abraham S. Grant Elementary School, Paul Lawrence Dunbar Jr. High School on the Westside of San Antonio and graduated from J. T. Brackenridge High School. 

His maternal grandmother, Henrietta Bedford, and his mom ensured a solid rearing as he grew up and was baptized at the Mt. Ararat Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. J. A. Kemple was Pastor. Ultimately, Ray and his wife, Brenda, placed membership at the Antioch Baptist Church. 

Ray and Brenda had been together since the ages of twelve and thirteen.  It is no wonder why so many people have often mistaken Brenda as one of the Williams’ children.  She has been in our family forever!  Three children were born to that union, Allen, II, Monica and Troy.   Additionally, the children gave them four beautiful grandchildren which Papa Ray totally adored.  Ray was the patriarch of the Williams family and he thoroughly enjoyed hosting family gatherings where the most delectable dishes were served on oh so many occasions. 

His career included past jobs as an insurance salesman for Washington National Insurance Company for many years and also Frito Lay.  He joined the San Antonio Firefighters in October 1979.  Positions held were firefighter, EMT Paramedic and 911 Dispatcher.  He retired in May 2015 after almost thirty-six years.  

Allen was also a Mason and an absolutely passionate lover of the game of golf. Whenever anything stopped him from golfing, he just was not the same.  As his health began to fail in the past few years, he never ever lost his zeal for living a full and vibrant life.  And he loved to eat!  There are probably very few restaurants in the city of San Antonio that he has not frequented, especially those off the beaten path.  He loved to eat! Big Red soda and Blue Bell Vanilla ice cream rose to the top of the list of favorites. 

Very few people knew him as Allen.  The family always called him Ray.  He leaves to mourn his demise his wife, Brenda; his children, Allen Ray, II (Vernita devoted dtr-in-law); Monica; and Troy. Grandchildren, Ayaunee; Allen Ray, III “Trey”; Bryanna and Anaya.  Siblings, Carol Hollins (Donald); Joyce Greenwood; Joseph Williams; Larry Williams; and Kenneth Williams. All of San Antonio.  Uncle and Aunt Clarence & Dorothy Bedford of Dallas, Tx; Sisters-In-Law Theresa Hamilton and Mary Fisher and a host of cousins and family friends.  He will be sorely missed by so many.  

We loved you Ray, but God loved you best!

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