Husband, father, grandfather, friend, former professional baseball player, and mentor to all, Walter Allen Williams, 72, of Brownwood passed away Saturday, January 23, 2016 at Abilene Regional Medical Center. Funeral Services will be held at Victory Life Church, located at 901 CC Woodson Road, on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 1pm, with burial to follow at Greenleaf Cemetery. A visitation will be held at Greater Faith Community Church located at 417 Wesley St. Friday, January 29, 2016 from 6-8pm. Services entrusted to Brownwood Funeral Home.
Walt Williams affectionately known as “No Neck” was born December 19, 1943 in Brownwood, TX to the parentage of Coleman and Pearlie Mae “Big Mama” Williams. 1 of 8 children, Walt at an early age became very competitive. Walt attended R.F. Hardin Elementary School. Walt began playing baseball, and was quiet talented at a young age. He started his Career in Baseball Playing for a multicultural team the Brownwood Bees.
“No Neck” later moved to San Francisco and graduated from Galileo High School, where he also excelled in football and basketball. After high School he then attended San Francisco Community College. Walter “No Neck” Williams had a long career in professional baseball, playing with the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees. He also played a number of “off” seasons in Venezuela, Japan and Mexico.In 1988, Williams married the love of his life Ester and they would spend 27 loving years together. In the late 80s through the mid 90s Williams returned to pro ball as a coach, first with the Chicago White Sox, and also the Texas Rangers. He then returned to Brownwood and continued with the work he loved, coaching and helping kids become better at whatever they wanted to do. Since Walt’s retirement as a professional athlete, he took up a hobby in golfing. He would spend countless hours at the country club, and any golf course to get a good game of golf in. He even played a major role in placing the golfing green at the Cecil Holeman Park. Williams worked with the youth of this community in all capacities, and mentored hundreds at the Bennie Houston Community Center for 30 plus years.
Walt was preceded in death by both parents, son Tyrus Williams, 2 brothers Robert Williams, and Curtis Williams, sister Mary Elizabeth Pierson, granddaughter Jazmyn Barron, and great-granddaughter Alana Barron.
Left to cherish his memories are wife of 27 years Ester Williams of Brownwood, daughter Sherry Barron of Brownwood, 3 sons Deron Williams of San Francisco CA, Gary “Potsie” Barron (Sheri) of Brownwood and Walter Williams, Jr., (Nathalie) of Abilene, 3 brothers Freddie Paul Williams of Brownwood, Joe Williams (Luana) of San Francisco, Dennis Wade (Nedra) of Brownwood, 2 sisters Carol Sue Stanfield of Sacramento, Madeline Bradley (Dennis) of Brownwood, 4 grandchildren Deveney, Xavier, Peyton, and Zachary, and great-grandchildren Donovan and Kendrick, the Mosely family and Polaski family, and a host of extended family and many friends across the world.
Online condolences may be made at www.brownwoodfuneralhome.net.
