It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Walter Jefferson "Jay" Williams, 86, passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in an Abilene hospice facility. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Bailey Howard Funeral Home Chapel with Walter Williams, Kevin Duval and Sam Williams officiating. Burial followed in the Clyde Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until service time on Tuesday at the funeral home. Jay was born September 9, 1939, in Gorman to Osie and Josephine (Hamilton) Williams. He grew up traveling the highways of America and always loved to travel. Jay was a Pentecostal Minister for many years, pastoring in New Castle, Artesia, New Mexico and Carlsbad, New Mexico. He married Mattie Lee Shell in 1959 and lived many wonderful years until she died of Cancer. He married Sharon Ann Story in Lawton, Oklahoma on June 18, 1987. Jay was driven by an endless search for knowledge and a passion for discovering new things on the highways of America. Jay was a faithful man and served on many mission trips to Mexico. He loved his time serving as a Civil Rights Leader, working for Ceasar Chavez. He was also President of Migrant Workers of America and a member of United Farm Workers Association as well as several ministerial organizations. He is survived by his wife, Norma Williams of Baird; eight children, Walter Williams, Jr. and wife, Elvie of Eastland, Esther Osteen and husband Jim of Carbon, Angie Honea and husband, Eddie of Cisco, Retha Williams of Ranger, Kimberly Bhatti of Abilene, Billy Ray Williams and wife, Tandy of Campbellton, Courtney Munoz and husband, Efrin of Hobbs, New Mexico and four stepchildren, Clarence Robert Hager and wife Shea of Poteet and Mickey DeWayne Hager of New Castle; Linda Moss of Baird and Will Melton of Abilene, one brother, John Williams and wife, Karen of Miami, Florida; two sisters, Mary Jackson and husband, Will of Carbon and Sarah Horton of Miami, Ok; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. In addition to his parents, Jay was preceded in death by his first wife, Mattie Lee Williams; his second wife, Sharon Ann Williams; two sons, Elvie J. Williams and Rodney Williams; one sister, Virginia French; three brothers, Daniel, Paul and Joel Williams. Online condolences may be made at https://www. bailey-howardfuneralhome.com
