GARY D. WILLIAMS, P.E., 64 years of age, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Friday, August 27, 2004 following a courageous battle with cancer. Gary was born on February 14, 1940 to Mary and J. T. Williams, Jr. in Mexia, Texas. He spent his childhood in Dallas and graduated from South Oak Cliff High School. Gary obtained his Bachelor of Science in civil engineering in 1963 from Texas A & M University. He proudly wore his Aggie ring and supported Texas A & M University in many ways. Gary served as a U. S. Army officer for two years including a tour of duty in Thailand. Upon his discharge, he returned to Texas and began working for H. B. Zachry Company where he was mentored in the construction business by one of his heroes, H. B. "Pat" Zachry. In 1979, Gary fulfilled a dream by starting his own general contracting company, Williams Industries, Inc. He was a long-time member of the Associated General Contractors. Always a builder, he built both buildings and relationships with others over his amazing life. He truly was a builder of men. He was an active member of Second Baptist Church where he humbly and proudly served as a deacon. Gary was able to serve his Lord in many ways through the years and he was particularly honored to be part of the mission to build churches in Recife, Brazil. He also served on the boards of both the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and the West Houston Hospital. Jesus Christ was reflected in everything he did. Everyone who met him came away blessed by his humbleness, dignity and fairness. He was a father-figure to many, a close friend to all, the ultimate role model. Gary is preceded in death by his father, J. T. Williams, Jr.; sister Margie Williams; nieces Denise Williams and Robin Williams; and his father-in-law J.C. "Pete" Spann. He is survived by his dearly loved wife, Gwen Spann Williams with whom he was proud to have shared his life. This special union was reflected in their personal motto, "Together Always." Gary is survived by his son Mark and wife Amy Williams of Amarillo, daughter Tammy and husband Mike Walker of Katy, son Matt and wife Gina Williams of Katy; nephew Jason and wife Janet Spann of Houston. Gary was blessed to help raise Jason; Felipe Nogueira of Houston, who joined the family as an exchange student from Brazil. Gary also leaves the pride of his life, his grandchildren, whom he told that together, they would be "friends forever": Sarah Williams, Kyle, Will and Kay Kay Brock, Nathan and Jacob Spann, and Seth Williams. Gary is also survived by his mother, Mary Williams and brothers Marcus and wife Juanda Williams of San Antonio, Stanley and wife Diane Williams of Houston, Mike Williams of Houston, his mother-in-law Evelyn Spann of Midlothian, brother-in-law Bob and wife Rhonda Spann of Midlothian and also leaves behind many beloved nephews, nieces, other family members and numerous friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Second Baptist Church Missions or the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 570127, Houston, Texas 77257. The family thanks all the friends and family who have given so much throughout Gary's illness. We couldn't have done this without your love and support. Thank you also to Houston Hospice and all the doctors and nurses who so lovingly cared for him; and to Dr. H. Alejandro Preti and his staff for their special care. Friends are invited to visitation with the family from five until eight o'clock in the evening on Monday, August 30, 2004 in the Library at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive. Following a private graveside service a Memorial services will be conducted at half past two in the afternoon Tuesday, August 31, 2004 in the Sanctuary at Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway, with Dr. Ed Young and Dr. James DeLoach officiating. Published in the Houston Chronicle on 8/29/2004.