Paxton Kelly Williams

Paxton Kelly Williams, 75, passed away on February 8, 2020, in Houston, Texas. He was a loving husband, father, and friend. The son of Ed Paxton Williams and Marion Turner Kelly Williams, he was born on May 26, 1944 in San Antonio, TX.  He graduated from Arlington Heights High School, where he was active in the ROTC.  He then graduated from the New Mexico Military Institute, attended Texas A&M University, and enlisted in the U.S. Army. After graduating from Officer Candidate School, he was stationed at Ft. Hood, TX, and spent a tour as a jungle instructor which included time in Panama, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand. After discharge from active duty, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve with the 75th Maneuver Area Command as an intelligence officer and helped to train Regular Army troops as well as other reserve units.  During this time, he completed his degree in Purchasing and Materials Management from the University of Houston, Downtown and pursued a career in the oil and gas industry.  He retired from the U.S Army Reserve as a Major in 1989 with over 20 years of military service.  During his Army career, he met his future wife on a blind date.  Mary Linda Sharp and Paxton were married on June 8, 1974 in League City, TX.  They celebrated the birth of their daughter Hallie in 1981 and son Winfield in 1983.  Paxton was very involved with his children’s activities, and he spent many hours attending recitals, concerts, swim meets, and sporting events.  He served on the board of the Houston Boychoir, worked on the review board of the Harris County Appraisal District, was very active with the Boy Scouts of America, and was an ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church.  He was passionate about local politics, Texas history, historical reenacting, enjoying the opera and symphony with his wife, and his hobby of vexillology (the study of flags).  His love of church polity and theology was redoubled in recent years as he attended seminary with the intention to serve the Presbyterian Church, until health issues impeded his studies. 

Paxton was a committed Christian, the rock that anchored his family, and beloved by virtually everyone who got to know him.  He was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Marion.  He is survived by his wife Mary Linda of 45 years, daughter Hallie and her husband David, son Winfield and his wife Monica, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and cherished friends. Memorials may be made to the music department of St. Philip Presbyterian, the Boy Scouts of America, or to the charity of your choice.  Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 7 at St. Philip Presbyterian, Houston, Texas with Rev. Dr. John Wurster officiating. Graveside Service to be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, March 9 at Houston National Cemetery, Houston, Texas with Rev. Gregory Han officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Bradshaw-Carter Memorial and Funeral Services.