Fred Dean Williams

Fred Dean Williams August 1, 1939 – October 26, 2017

Fred Dean Williams, 78, beloved husband and best friend of Judith (Higginbotham) Williams for over 55 years, passed away peacefully surrounded by the ones he laughed with, lived for and loved on October 26, 2017.
Fred was born in Harlingen, Texas on August 1, 1939 to parents James Dean Williams and Essie Marie Greer Williams. The birth and death of this great man however, are not nearly as relevant as all the days and nights that he lived to the fullest between those dates.
Fred spent some of his younger years in Brownwood and Abilene and moved to Lubbock with his family and attended Lubbock schools. He graduated from Lubbock High School in 1957. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from McMurry College in Abilene, where he met the love of his life, Judy!
Fred and Judy began their married life together and he started his career in banking. They moved to De Leon and built their first home to continue their adventure together. He always dreamed of having a house full of boys to fulfill his mission of creating his own football team. That, of course, was until God changed that plan and blessed Fred and Judy with three girls – Lisa, Leslie and Lindsay.
Fred grew up in a household with three sisters – Diane, Linda and Teresa; God must have known he needed to be raised with strong, amazing women to embark on his journey with Judy as parents of girls who were reared to be successful, happy, Godly women who adored him!
He loved life and adventure. He loved the water and water sports; owning a boat, water skiing and teaching all of his friends and family to love it too. Fred enjoyed hunting and all of the fruits of that labor. He had a passion for things on wheels that can go really fast! He enjoyed motorcycles and three wheelers and taking his girls on road trips (much to Judy’s dismay). His family got to experience so many wonderful things because Fred wanted his family with him, trying new things and having new experiences. So many memorable trips in the motorhome to Disneyland, Dog Patch USA, Yellowstone and the Redwood Forest; fun summers at the lake cabin on Proctor Lake; trips to Port Aransas to fish; Jeeping over and through the mountains in Colorado; and many, many more.
Banking was Fred’s first career, but his joy really came when he began his career as a custom home builder. He always loved and got so much fulfillment in life by giving to others and making people happy. What better gift than a new home built to perfection. So many wonderful, life-changing friendships grew from Fred’s business and his commitments to God and the church.
He was a true servant for the Lord. From the day Fred gave his life to the Lord, he never looked back; only Up for guidance, answers, wisdom and joy to direct his path each day. His love for the Lord spilled over into every area of his life. He was always the same with every person he met. Genuine, one-of-a-kind – the Real Deal!
Fred wasn’t one to just let life pass him by, he lived each day being charismatic, fun-loving, adventurous and the most loving and loyal man around.
Fred and Judy were married for over 55 years. He became an example of a Faithful, Godly husband, especially in the way he loved and cared for her through the years. He left an incredibly humbling legacy and example for his daughters to follow and expect in their own lives.
Fred Dean Williams will be truly missed every single day! This world was a better place because he was in it!
He is survived by his wife, Judy; three daughters - Lisa, Leslie & Lindsay; his son-in-law - Mitch; grandchildren – Jake & wife Brittany, Colson & wife Ashley, Clayton, Ethan, Maddie and great granddaughter – Morgan. Also, his three younger sisters – Diane & husband Cecil and family, Linda & husband Stan and Teresa.