S. H. "Buddy" Williams, Jr.

Sidney Haywood "Buddy" Williams, Jr., 96, of Port Arthur, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at home surrounded by his family and friends. Buddy was born on July 3, 1917 in Port Neches, Texas to the late Sidney Haywood Williams and Effie Jewel Wallace Williams. Within a short time, his family moved to Carthage, Mississippi and relocated to Port Arthur in 1922 where his Dad secured a job at the Texas Company Refinery. Buddy graduated from Port Arthur High School then attended Port Arthur College where he was elected Student Body President. He earned his degree in General Business Administration. In the early forties he met his true love, Lillian Cain at a pre-arranged meeting at the Corner Drug Store in downtown Port Arthur. They married April 11, 1942 in Houston, Texas and resided briefly in Galveston, Texas. They moved home to Port Arthur where Buddy was employed at the Richard Lyles Insurance Agency. He purchased the agency in 1950 and completed his insurance career with American National in 1975. He then worked in the tax appraisal departments for the City of Port Arthur, P.A.I.S.D. and Jefferson County before retiring in 1984. Buddy was active in the Lion's Club, the Optimist Club, Port Arthur Country Club, Optimist Southern Little League, Port Arthur Pony-Colt League and served on the Board of the Port Arthur Higher Education Foundation. He was a member of the United Methodist Temple. He enjoyed playing golf with his friends and also introduced golf to his sons. He was patient and understanding. He always offered words of encouragement. He loved baseball and especially coaching youth baseball. He was demanding, fair and fun to play for. Buddy really enjoyed watching most any sporting event whether in person or televised. Visitation will be held at United Methodist Temple in Port Arthur on Saturday, June 7 at 9:30 a.m. and the services begin at 10:30 a.m. Reverend Dr. Jesse Brannen will officiate. Graveside services will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park under the direction of Levingston Funeral Home. Buddy is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Lillian Williams; sons, Sidney H. "Woody" Williams, III and wife Carol of Fairfax, Virginia; Jeffrey A. Williams and wife Sylvia of Port Neches; grandchildren, Doug Williams of Greensboro, NC; Jeremy Moore and wife Lindsay of Kingwood, TX; Jordan Williams of Buffalo, NY; Lauren Williams of Kingwood, TX; great grandchildren, Avery, Justin, Zander, Caelin and Racer Moore of Kingwood, TX; Connor Williams of Kingwood, TX. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to United Methodist Temple or the charity of your choice. The family is thankful for the kindness and loving care provided by Silvina "Viney" Johnson, April Hayes, Betty Asberry, April Cotton and Sheryl Johnson. The family thanks Gentiva Hospice, especially Eric and Jeanette.