Claud Manciel Williams Jr.

With hearts full of love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Father, Claude Manciel Williams, Jr., who entered the gates of Heaven surrounded by his loving daughters on September 3, 2026, at the age of 88. Claude was a man of extraordinary brilliance, calm, quiet strength, humility, and quick wit. He lived a life of purpose and grace: steadfast and composed, deeply devoted to his family, and fiercely loving of those he held dear. He was a man who was not only admired and respected, but profoundly loved. To his family, he was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose presence brought strength, laughter, wisdom, and an enduring sense of home. His family was his greatest pride and his greatest joy, and he made certain they never doubted how deeply they were loved and the pride he had in them. Claude was born on May 10, 1938, in Elk City, Oklahoma, to Helen and Claude M. “Mac” Williams. He was one of nine siblings. From humble beginnings working on the family farm, Claude built a life defined by devotion, perseverance, service, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Claude graduated from Highway High School in Elk City and carried the friendships he made there throughout his entire life. He married young and became the father of three sons: Claude Williams III, Jimmy Dale Williams (and wife Tammy Williams), and Christopher Williams. Claude and his family later moved to California, where he answered the call to a life of law enforcement. This calling to which he devoted himself for five decades. He graduated from the University of Redlands with a Bachelor of Science degree and later earned a master’s degree in Administration from the University of California, Los Angeles. In 1967, Claude met the love of his life, Emilijane (E.J.) Allaman. They married just three months later at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Pasadena, California. Their marriage was one of deep love, devotion, and partnership, lasting 50 years. Together, they built a family and a life filled with love, laughter, hard work, and memories that would become treasured forever. Claude continued his law enforcement career, serving in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Redlands, and Paris, before moving his family back to El Reno, Oklahoma, where he served in leadership with the El Reno Police Department. In 1985, Claude moved his family to Huntsville, Texas, where he began working as an investigator for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Internal Affairs. Through the years, his dedication, intelligence, and leadership carried him through the ranks, ultimately earning him the position of Executive Director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He worked alongside lawmakers and former Texas Governors Ann Richards and George W. Bush, helping ensure that the operations of TDCJ continued to run smoothly. Yet for all of his professional accomplishments, Claude's greatest accomplishment was the family he built and loved so completely. Claude and E.J. had three daughters, Annamaria Hager (and husband Keith), Sarah Wedd (and husband Shane), and Stephanie Gray (and husband David), whom they loved endlessly and completely doted upon. His daughters were the light of his life, and the love between them was unmistakable. He was their protector, advisor, storyteller, and steadfast source of strength. To know Claude was to know how deeply he loved his family…and to be loved by Claude was to know that you always had someone in your corner. Claude found joy in rebuilding antique cars, working the ranch, and, most of all, spending time with his family. He was active in his community, serving on various law enforcement task forces, as a lifetime member of the Walker County Fair Association, and as a past Chairman of the WCFA Scramble Heifer Program. Claude was a man who gave much of himself to others. He served his community, led with a steady hand, and loved his family with his whole heart. He leaves behind not only a remarkable legacy of service and accomplishment, but something far more precious: generations of people who knew they were loved by him. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, E.J.; sons Claude M. Williams III and Christopher Williams; parents Claude “Mac” and Helen Williams; and siblings Walter, Joe, James, and Ann. His legacy lives on in the children and grandchildren he loved so dearly: daughters Annamaria, Sarah, and Stephanie; son Jim; and his beloved grandchildren Skylar Hager, Benjamin Claude Williams, Slade Hager, Andrew Gray, Alexandria Wedd, Sophia Hager, Samuel Gray, Elizabeth Wedd, Timothy Gray, Katherine Wedd, April Williams, Danielle Arroyo, and Adam Williams. Claude's life was long, accomplished, and deeply meaningful. But above all, it was deeply loved. He leaves behind a family who will carry his wisdom, his laughter, his strength, and his love with them always. Though his absence leaves an immeasurable ache, the love he gave so freely will never leave us. He will be profoundly missed. And he will never be forgotten.

Claud Manciel Williams Jr.

May 10, 1938 - September 3, 2026