Virgil Roy Williams

Virgil Roy Williams, age 83, was born on November 17, 1942, in Texas City, Texas, to Roy Lee Williams and Gladys Camp Williams. He passed away surrounded by the love of his family on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, faithfulness, and unconditional love.

In 1964, Virgil proudly joined the United States Navy, where he received his electrical training. That same year, he married the love of his life, Melba Crawford Williams, beginning a beautiful journey that would span 61 remarkable years. Their marriage was the foundation of their family-a rare example of unwavering love, deep respect, steadfast faithfulness, and true partnership. Through every joy and every challenge, they stood side by side, hand in hand, showing everyone around them what a strong, loving, and extraordinary marriage looked like. Their love story was one for the ages and remains one of the greatest gifts they leave behind. 

Virgil and Melba were blessed with three children: Johnnie Goff and wife Wanda, Vicki Langston, Michael Williams; son-in-law, L.C Langston; and special friend, Delisa Redford. His greatest joy was his family. He was a proud grandfather to Lesli and Charlie, Whitni, Dustin, Steven, Jake and Megan Goff, Wayne, Laura, Megan, and Brittni. He was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren, Aron, Rayli (Kole), Charlie, Owen, Austin, Harley, Punkin, and Hotrod, and one great-great-grandchild, all of whom brought him endless pride and happiness.

He is also survived by his faithful lap dog, Sassy; His brother, Kenneth Williams and wife Billie; special niece Gladys Thomas and her two sons; along with many other cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Virgil is preceded in death by his parents Roy Lee Williams and Gladys Camp Williams, and his two sisters, Merle Thomas and Gail Williams, and daughter-in-law Christy Williams.

Following his service in the United States Navy, Virgil dedicated many years to his career at TDCJ retiring in 2005 as the supervisor over the farm shops and fields. He was respected for his leadership, strong work ethic, and willingness to help anyone who needed him.

Virgil was a lifelong mechanic, and there wasn’t an engine he couldn’t fix. If something was broken-a car, truck, tractor, or just about anything else-you could usually find him in his shop bringing it back to life. He was an incredibly gifted craftsman and master carpenter. Those who knew him often said there was simply nothing he couldn’t do.

When he wasn’t working, Virgil loved hunting and fishing, especially when he could share those moments with family and friends. He found great joy in teaching others what he knew, whether it was fixing an engine, building something with his hands, or sharing stories from the outdoors.

More than anything, Virgil will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud Papaw, loyal friend, and a man of remarkable character. His hands built, repaired, and created countless things throughout his life, but his greatest accomplishment was the life he built with Melba and the family they loved so deeply.

His legacy of kindness, strength, wisdom, unwavering love, and selfless generosity will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though he will be deeply missed, the lessons he taught, the memories he created, and the example he set as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend will remain in the hearts of his family forever.

“I won’t always be around, so I’ll show you, but you have to do it next time.”

Psalms 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Friends are invited to a visitation from five o’clock until seven o’clock in the evening on Monday, the 6th day of July 2026 at Rhone Funeral Home.

Funeral services to honor the life of Virgil are to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 7th day of July 2026 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Bro. John David Evans officiating the service. Interment will follow in Strongs Memorial Park.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Jake Goff, Dustin Langston, L.C. Langston, Rascal Williams, Bobby Ray Crawford, and Charli Harrison.

Funeral services for Virgil Roy Williams are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.

Please take a moment to leave memories and upload photos on Virgil’s memorial page by selecting the “Share a Memory” icon. Let us celebrate his life and the impact he had on us all.

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