Audra Joseph “Bill” Williams
Audra Joseph (Bill) Williams, an exceptional husband, father and grandfather, left this world to join his beloved wife Jane in Heaven on Aug. 7, 2008, at the age of 91. Mr. Williams died at his residence in Corsicana, Texas, with his daughters by his side. He will be remembered for his kindness and patience and will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Mr. Williams was
born on Dec. 18, 1916, in rural Dewey County outside of Leedey, Okla. His mother died when he was only 8. He left home as a young man to work as a cowboy in New Mexico and in Texas on the Goodnight Ranch and later working in the fuel transport business. He met the love of his life, Dorothy Jane Feightner of Gorman, Texas, in 1939. While the two were engaged, Bill suffered a fiery truck crash and spent six months in the hospital with Jane by his side. After his recovery, they were married on Sept. 18, 1941.
They made their home in several places. In their early years they lived in Fort Worth and had two daughters. Later, they moved to Decatur, Texas, and owned White Auto Store and Decatur Home Furnishings. In 1968, they decided to move to Lockhart, Texas, where they lived for more than 30 years, and opened a True Value hardware store. All of their grandchildren can say how special it was to visit their home – plenty of fun, games, and a pool. In 2003, Bill moved to Corsicana to be near his daughters.
Mr. Williams was a member of the Church of Christ. His hobbies included deer hunting, fishing, camping in his motor home and traveling. He was a talented craftsman. Over the years, his children and grandchildren received many handmade wooden gifts. One of Mr. William’s happiest moments was the celebration of his 50th wedding anniversary with his beloved wife Jane on Sept. 18, 1991. All family and friends attended. Shortly after, Jane passed away in December 1992. Bill lived 16 more years, never once forgetting her.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Jane Williams; his parents, Samantha Neeley Bryan and Joseph Asa Williams; three brothers; one sister; grandson, William Corey Millican; and great-grandson, Zakkary Ray Millican.
Survivors include daughters, Sheila Carter and husband, Bob, of Arlington, and Linda Wilson of Corsicana; grandchildren, Candi Schuelke and husband, Tim, of Lockhart, Cristi Williams and husband, Roy, of Elizabeth, Colo., Stephanie Carter of Fort Worth, Cayla DeMoss and husband, Steve, of Corsicana, Scott Carter of Little Rock, Ark., Derek Carter and wife, Jennifer, of Oklahoma City, Todd Carter and wife, Shannon, of Surprise, Ariz., and Mindy Istas and husband, Steve, of Garland; great-grandchildren Justin Schuelke and wife, Jesse, of San Antonio, Tristan Shimonek of Elizabeth, Colo., Justin DeMoss of Corsicana, Drew Schuelke, of Lockhart, Monica DeMoss of Corsicana, Mallory Shimonek, of Elizabeth, Colo. Audra DeMoss, of Corsicana, Lauren Schuelke, of Lockhart, Taylor Williams, of Elizabeth, Colo., Michael Istas, of Garland, Benjamin Carter, of Surprise, Ariz., and Jacob Istas of Garland; and five great-great grandchildren.
Family visitation was held on Saturday, Aug. 9 from 5-7 p.m. at McCurdy Funeral Home in Lockhart. Funeral services were held at the Lockhart Church of Christ on Sunday, Aug. 10 at 1p.m.
Arrangements under the care and guidance of McCurdy Funeral Home, 105 E. Pecan St. Lockhart, Texas 78644. (512) 398-4791.
