Victor "Vic" Ray Williams

Coaldale resident Victor Ray Williams, age 71, passed away at home July 9, 2023. He was born December 28, 1951 in Dallas, Texas to Bobby Ray Williams and Juanalyne Singleton Williams.

Vic grew up in Dallas and attended Thomas Jefferson High School where he played football and graduated in 1971. He attended Texas A&M University and studied Wildlife and Fisheries Ecology. There he met his lab partner, Kathryn Jo Hoyler, who he later married on April 5, 1975 at Meadowbrook Methodist Church in Fort Worth. They moved to Nacogdoches where Vic received his bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1977. The couple moved to the Dallas area where they resided most of their lives.

Vic was a loyal employee at Southland Farm Store in Dallas for 37 years. He enjoyed helping folks with lawn and garden care, insect control, and animal care. He also took up beekeeping and managed hives for honey for over 35 years. His love of God’s creation led him to hiking, climbing, camping, canoeing, and fishing. He briefly served as Assistant Scoutmaster for Circle 10 Council, Troop 1007 and received the Western Star “STAR” award for his scouting contributions.

Vic and Kathy surrendered their lives to Christ while attending Royal Haven Baptist Church and were baptized together October 12, 1980. Victor had been a faithful disciple of the Lord, teaching Sunday School and leading home Bible studies. He had “the gift of camping” and took church groups to explore the outdoors and see biblical lessons in the natural world.

Anyone who was blessed to call Vic “Dad” or “Papa” was in his prayers every day. He would open most prayers with “forgive me of my sins”, then prayed daily for the salvation of each of his children and grandchildren by their names. He also prayed for his “grandchildren, yet unborn”. He desired that his legacy would be generations of believers in Christ who would honor God with their lives and make the world a better place.

In 2015 Vic and Kathy moved to Colorado and made Coaldale their home. Victor continued to enjoy God’s creation - the mountains, the birds, and the wildlife. He also became a member of Cross Roads Baptist Church in Poncha Springs.

Victor Williams was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bruce Carlton Williams.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Kathy Hoyler Williams of Coaldale, and their 4 children: Whitney Catherine Williams of Pleasanton, California, Sean Patrick Williams of Hollywood, California, Timothy Blake Williams of Coaldale, Colorado, and Christopher Ian Williams of Salida, Colorado. He is survived by 8 grandchildren: Dylan Jason Salis, Mark Victor Salis, Madison Cathryn Williams, Gabriel Matthew Salis, William Tyndale Salis, Cecilea Lynn Gutierrez, Gabriella Angel Williams, and Faith Pearl Williams. He is also survived by an aunt and uncle, 2 nieces, a nephew, and several cousins.

A memorial service will be held at Cross Roads Church, 10915 CR 128, Poncha Springs, Colorado on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a written submission of a memory of Vic. Email Kathy Williams, kathrynjhw@gmail.com; a photo of the sender would be wonderful, too!

Arrangements were with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home in Salida. Online condolences may be offered at www.lewisandglenn.com.

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