Melvin Eugene Williams

Melvin Eugene Williams, 82 of Huntsville, Texas passed away peacefully on September 22,2024 in Conroe, Texas after a brief illness. He was born on March 14, 1942, in Texarkana, Arkansas to the late Alvin C. and Dessie D. Buford Williams. He moved to Palestine, Texas in 1945 where he spent his childhood and most of his adult life. Melvin graduated from Palestine High School in 1960. After graduation, Melvin began working in the Old Field Business where he learned and developed many skills in which he applied throughout his jobs and career. He found his niche in Welding and fabricating and always managed to become the project manager on just about every contract job throughout Texas that he completed. Melvin also opened his own business, Williams Automotive, where he rebuilt motors, did some amazing paint jobs and took care of general maintenance on many vehicles in Palestine. Melvin was a multifaceted man who could do just about anything he put his mind too. There was never a time that he couldn’t tell you how to complete a project with precision and excellence, whether it be woodwork, car restorations, maintenance of just about anything, or welding. He was a jack of all trades! Melvin had several hobbies, but his favorites were restoring old cars, fishing and being a member of local volunteer fire departments. He spent many hours in his earlier years fixing up some beautiful vehicles. He loved being on the water in his boat and had been a member of 2 different volunteer fire departments. Melvin married Mabel A. Oberrender Williams in August of 1987. They spent most of their married life in Palestine, Texas. They moved to Dayton and Llano, by the river, for a short time but Palestine seemed to call them home. In 2020, they decided to move closer to their kids and moved to Huntsville and became part of a great subdivision. Melvin was a straight shooter so, if you didn’t want to know something, it wasn’t a good idea to ask his opinion! He never met a stranger and always made many friends wherever he went. He was one of the hardest workers you would ever meet and had no problem helping his neighbors with anything at the drop of a hat. He joined the 980 N Volunteer fire department after moving to Huntsville. He loved working with the fire department and working with the community. He had recently made Lieutenant before his passing and is going to be greatly missed! If Melvin wasn’t fishing, working at the fire department, or working on his many projects at home, you could find him and Mabel sitting on their front porch drinking coffee. He loved visiting with his neighbors and friends and throwing a wave to passing vehicles. His passing has made a large hole in the lives of this family, friends and especially his 980 N fire department family. Melvin is preceded in death by his parents, a son, Jeffery Wayne Williams and his great granddaughter, Addilyn Jeffcoat. He leaves behind his wife, Mabel; his daughters Malane (Johnny) Gurganus and Cheryl (Randy) Jeffcoat; grandkids Hadley (Amber) Gurganus, Jaycie (Collin) Roberts, Christen Jeffcoat, Garrett Jeffcoat, Jeffery Williams, Misty Williams, Billy Williams, John Williams; his brothers, Anthony (Deborah) Williams, Timmy (Allison) Williams and his sister, Gloria (Ron)Frame. He also leaves behind numerous great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He will also be greatly missed by his numerous friends in both Palestine and Lakeside Village in Huntsville. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.at 980 N Fire Station, 30 Lakeside Drive, Huntsville, Texas. Prior to the memorial, the members of the 980 N Fire department will be picking up Melvin’s ashes in the fire truck from Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home for his ride home. Anyone that wishes to join the procession from the funeral home to the memorial is welcome. A graveside memorial will also be held in Palestine at Land of Memory at a later date for any of his Palestine friends that cannot attend his memorial in Huntsville. Memorial condolences may be made to the family at www.shmfh.com.

Melvin Eugene Williams

March 14, 1942 - September 22, 2024