Gary Wade Williams, lovingly called “Rock” by family and friends, 62, of Hemphill, TX passed away Thursday, September 15, 2022 at Hospice in the Pines in Lufkin, TX. He was born in Jasper, on January 18, 1960 to Melvin “Mann” Williams and Patty Dean McCauley Williams. He was a lifelong resident of Sabine County and graduated with the class of 1978 at Hemphill High School. He worked with his father before starting his career with the Sabine River Authority, where he worked as a Site Inspector for over 35 years. He was a long-time member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.

He was a beloved member of his community and was the same “Rock” every time you saw him. He especially loved and collected antique trucks and jeeps and was often seen driving his treasures around Sabine County. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and collecting vintage signs, as well as tending to his cows and horses.

He is survived by his mother, Patty Dean Williams of Hemphill; daughter Kelli Beall and husband Carl Jr. of Hemphill; brother Billy Joe Williams and wife Donna of Orange; sisters, Susie Oates and husband Steve of Nacogdoches, and Tina Crofford also of Nacogdoches; grandchildren Chase Williams and his mother Lindsey Ross; Cason, Camdyn and Corbyn Beall; many beloved nieces and nephews, including special niece Courtney Harley and little friends Tater, Lil Buddy and Sparkle Shoes; and special friend Jane Bentley.

He is preceded in death by his father Melvin “Mann” Williams and his son Brad Williams.

Funeral Services were held Sept. 19, at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church with Brothers Steven Dougerty, Ryan Pay and Don Snider officiating.

Burial followed in Gravelhill Cemetery with Mike Bledsoe, Bubba Gipson, Josh Harley, Larry McCauley, Gary Parks, Toby Ratcliff, Billy Stewart and Jamie Williams serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Sabine River Authority Co-Workers, Gaylon Waller and Gayle Chance.