Obituary of Raymond Daniel Williams

Obituary of Raymond Williams R.D. "Deacon" Williams was born at home on Good Street, Dallas, TX on August 27, 1934 to Ardelia Johnson Williams and Raymond Williams, affectionately called Daddy Williams. As the youngest of three children, his sisters were Bobbie Mae Craig, Oakland, CA, Lucy Young, Dallas, TX and step sister, Erma Lee Williams, Dallas, TX. Ardelia Johnson Williams died after giving birth to R.D. Raised by his paternal grandmother, Ada McDaniel, until her death, R.D. received his education in Dallas, TX at St. Peter's Catholic School excelling as an athlete and growing in the Catholic faith. R.D. also attended Booker T. Washington for a brief period and enjoyed his football. After the death of his grandmother, his extended family grew to include Claude and Rose Lee Thomas and their family. R.D. met, courted and married his high school sweetheart, Kathryn Marie Matthis on December 8, 1951. Enlisted in the US Navy in 1952 and sailed aboard the USS Saipon. The US Navy required his name change from initials, and R.D. selected Raymond Daniel and served for 2 years. Raymond and Kathryn "Kat" have enjoyed 61 years of marriage, producing two daughters Kathy and Ramona. Raymond's fierce spirit and gentle heart garnered him lifelong friendships, reliable and faith filled guidance which family and friends sought and depended, and a relationship with God that shone bright in his life. Raymond and Kathryn have been a testament for successful marriage demonstrating love, longevity and commitment. Raymond reconfirmed with Holy Cross Catholic Church in 1974, inducted in the Knights of Columbus in 1979 and remained a faithful member. Raymond was a keen domino player, fisherman, and swimmer and enjoyed finding a deal. He shared and instilled his expectations for excellence in his daughters and grandchildren, and inspired all to perform at their highest level and to never give up. As a cancer survivor, these attributes were lived out every day. Raymond spoke across the county to encourage awareness and prevention for men, and was a mentor for many men diagnosed with cancer. Raymond has been an active member of the Booker T. Washington High School Alumni Association, Life Member of the DAV Oak Cliff 32nd as a Judge Advocate, Braniff International Alumni Association, and the Knights of Columbus (3593). After retiring from Braniff International, Raymond worked at Dallas Independent School District, Athletic Department at Loos Field House, as the facility supervisor. He also worked temporarily as a Dallas County election poll worker with his wife for more than ten years. Raymond's love and life are celebrated by his wife Kathryn, his daughters Kathy (Derrick Glynn) and Ramona (Victor Jackson), grandchildren: Fredderrick Visor, Victor Bashon Jackson II, Valencia Cecil Jackson, Derrian Vaughn Glynn, and Vashelle Dionne Jackson, and great grandchild, Dominic Raymond Kwiaju Langley. Sisters-in-law: Cecilia Hayes, Jerelyn Gooden (DeFarris Gooden), and Marlene Teal; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, grand nephews, grand nieces, great grand nephews and great grandnieces; and a wealth of good friends and extended family.