James Keith Williams

James Keith Williams, affectionately known as Keith, of Woodway, Texas, transitioned from our world into God’s hands on April 17, 2024. Visitation with the family will be 1pm, Tuesday, April 23rd at Grace Gardens Funeral Home with Funeral Service to follow at 2pm.  Burial will be at Stanford Chapel Cemetery with Air Force honors.

Keith was born on February 13, 1942, in Laredo, Missouri, to James Oliver Williams and Evelyn Pearl Mang. 

Keith worked at the local filling station in Galt, Missouri, pumping gas as a young boy and helping his father run the town sawmill. Later, he and his father operated their sawmill in the area.

Keith discovered his joy of basketball while playing on his high school team. He continued to enjoy the sport as an avid University of Texas basketball fan. Beyond sports, Keith also enjoyed fishing and bow hunting. He once proudly brought home a wild turkey for the family Thanksgiving table. 

The seasonal hobby of picking morel mushrooms in the Missouri springtime pleased him. He enjoyed hunting for them despite the uncertainty of the outcome. He often returned home with only a few small specimens, hoping the ladies would fry these tasty treats for him. Metal detecting was a year-round hobby that rarely yielded more than a handful of dirty little treasures, but it always put a big smile on his face.

At the age of 18, Keith made a significant commitment to his country by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force, 832nd Air Division. His role centered around supply chain operations. During his service, he formed a lasting bond with fellow serviceman Don Klukas, and their families enjoyed many memorable visits over the years in Wisconsin.

Keith's academic journey was a testament to his determination and thirst for knowledge. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master of Arts degree, and a Master of Business Administration, all while enjoying his summers mining for gold in Alaska. His dedication to his career was evident in his decision to obtain a Professional Counselors License, which he used to help families in need for many years.

 Keith's love for his hometown and his family was evident in his actions. Through his grant writing, he brought a much-needed halfway house to Laredo, Missouri. Vickey and his parents rallied behind his efforts, cleaning and renovating an old schoolhouse. This was a source of great pride for Keith, and he continued to serve as the  executive director, furthering his commitment to his community.

Keith and Vickey’s journey together began in the summer of 1975. This 6-foot brown-haired, blue-eyed man became her Prince Charming, her sturdy rock she could always rely on. He took great pride in being a provider and a protector.

The two loved sunsets and water views. While living in Venice, Florida, it was hard to pull them away from the beach, where they enjoyed pelicans, dolphins, manatees, and endless sunsets steps away from their home.  

Keith often munched on his favorite snack, popcorn. To his delight, he once crafted his own kettle corn drum.

Texas brought them closer to family and fun times. Keith, like his father-in-law Jim, enjoyed all things classic cars. Their quests often led to the wildest of adventures. Sometimes, they returned home with one of their gems in tow. Keith found fulfillment in spending countless hours restoring his cars. 

Keith fought the big “C” battle of cancer and won. However, Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body dementia were tough challenges. Keith is a courageous donor to Belmont, MA's Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center (HBTRC). The research carried out by this center will contribute to a better understanding of brain disorders and may lead to scientific advances that will benefit society in general. 

Keith is survived by his wife, Vickey; his beloved cat, Tiger, and sweet little Pepper, dog of the home; sister and brother-in-law Mary and Tom Klinginsmith; nephews Kevin, wife Marlisa, and Kary, wife Lisa; and nieces Elisa Pfeiffer and Kristi, husband Kenny. 

Father-in-law James Allnutt; sisters-in-law Robin Keeney, Jamie Allnutt, Glenda Machado, and husband Duke Machado; nieces and nephews Jennifer, Jay, Melanie, Holly, Mike, Casey, Dustin, Katie, and Olivia.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents James and Evelyn, sister Margarite and husband Harry, Mother-in-law Mary Allnutt, and brother-in-law James Keeney.

The family extends its warmest appreciation and gratitude to St. Catherine’s Rehabilitative Center of Waco, Ascension at Home Care, and Compassus Hospice of Waco for providing the best care. A sincere thank you to Debbie, Keith’s nurse, for her respect, dignity, and kindness.