Harry Felix Williams (80) was born April 23, 1945, and he left this earth for his heavenly home on November 23, 2025. Harry leaves behind his beloved wife of 34 years, Lajaunda Gebauer Williams, who was more than just his spouse, she was his companion, longtime friend, traveling buddy, and near the end, a caregiver. He is also survived by his daughter, Shannon Williams Cox and her husband Michael, his stepdaughter, Tiffany Collins Dillard, and Lea “Cookie” Williams, the Mother of his children. And Harry is survived by the ones who brought him the greatest joy in life: his four grandsons—Kevin Williams, Mason Cox, Mitchell Cox, and Austin Williams, and his favorite (only) granddaughter—Callie Sattler.
Harry’s legacy will live on through them, and through the other family members and countless friends who had the pleasure of sharing time with him, and who had the good fortune to hear him tell a story, laugh with him as he entertained everyone, and learn about the things that were most dear to Harry.
A beloved member of the Nederland, Texas community, Harry graduated from Nederland High School in 1963. Harry loved living in Nederland, and he was a “died in the wool” Nederland Bulldog for life. While in High School, he was elected as class president during his sophomore and junior year, and he was student body president his senior year. Harry’s devotion to the Nederland Bulldogs was unmatched, and unless he was sick or out of town, you could find him at most Bulldog football games. His presence stood out in the crowd as he yelled, or some might say he “barked-out” instructions, to the team and the referees, always accompanied by his flag and his mega-phone. If the Bulldogs were playing their rival, the PNG Indians, Harry was especially animated, and he turned the volume up a notch! He was also a loyal fan of the Texas A&M Aggies, the Butler Bulldogs (his college alma mater), and the Lamar Cardinals. Harry also loved his church family at Trinity Presbyterian.
After High School, Harry went to work in the oil and gas industry at Sun Oil where he worked until he joined the United States Army in 1966. While in the Army, he was selected to attend and graduated from Officer Candidate School. He was a Vietnam War veteran, serving in four campaigns in Vietnam, with his final campaign from April 1969 through March 1970, and he also served stateside for several years. While in the Army, he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. Harry proudly served a total of thirteen years in the United States Army, where his leadership skills were rewarded, he attained the final rank of Captain, he was an expert rifleman, and he received numerous medals and commendations including the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (4 Campaigns), the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/”V” device (1st OLC), Bronze Star Medal, 2O/S Bars Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm, Expert Rifleman, and Army Commendation Medal w/2 OLC. While in the Army, Harry served with the famous 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment or “Blackhorse Unit.” Until just recently, when Harry’s health declined, Harry and Lajaunda often attended the Blackhorse Reunions.
One of the injuries Harry battled because of his military service was PTSD. Harry was a champion for veterans, and he knew firsthand the importance of getting help. He was never afraid to talk with friends who battled similar problems.
In addition to serving in the military, Harry also worked for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department for many years, where he once again served with distinction.
Harry was an accomplished horseman and a true “Cowboy.” He spent many hours riding and working horses, and he participated in rodeo competitions. Harry also shared his love of horses with his daughters, granddaughter, niece, and best friend Derk “Doc” Harmsen.
Harry also loved his dogs. Through the years, he had several dogs, but his relationship and bond with his last service animal, a black lab named “Lady,” was one of the most touching things to witness. Harry had a bit of a “rough exterior,” but watching him with “Lady” or hearing him talk about “Lady,” you could see he was just a “big softie.”
One thing everyone who knew Harry will tell you is that Harry was the best “storyteller,” and he could light up a room with laughter. Harry was indeed “one of a kind,” and it is difficult to find all the words or adjectives that accurately describe him. Here are just a few—witty, strong-willed (a bit stubborn), tremendously outspoken, determined, brave and courageous, patriotic, and fiercely passionate about the opinions he held and causes he supported. He loved you with all his being and never failed to say what he was thinking. He had some flaws like any of us, but his flaws and his unique character made him the man (Husband, Dad, Grandfather, Friend) we all loved and adored. He will be deeply missed, but we take comfort in knowing that he has reached his Heavenly Home, he is now renewed, and he is rejoicing with his family and friends who have been waiting for him in Heaven.
He is preceded in death by his Son, Michael Kevin Williams, his Father, Hosea Williams, his Mother, Thetis Taylor Williams, his sister, Rufye Williams Burton, and his brother, James Williams.
The family sends a special thank you and appreciation to all the special ladies who took care of Harry at Forever Young during the last few months, and a special love to Torie (Blue).
We will have a celebration of life at a later date, but Harry did not want a formal funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nederland High School Reunion Fund (if you have been out of Nederland High School at least 50 years, you are in the club). Mail to: Ricky Martin, NHS Reunion Club Treasurer, 3480 Prescott Dr., Beaumont, Tx 77706. Please note “In Memory of Harry Williams.”