Thomas Reed Williams

Dr. Thomas Reed Williams, 86, of Gatesville, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 in Gatesville. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, July 7, 2008 at the First United Methodist Church of Gatesville with Rev. Larry VanZille officiating. Graveside services will follow at 1:30 PM at St. Olaf Rock Church Cemetery in Cranfills Gap. Visitation will be from 2-4 PM on Sunday at the funeral home. Dr. Williams was born on October 21, 1921 in Pancake, Texas to the late Otis Reed and Lettie Elizabeth Williams. In 1940, he graduated from Tarleton State College, and received his dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry. He served in the United States Navy from 1944-1946 and in 1953, was recalled to serve during the Korean conflict. In 1944, he married Peggy Hoover, whom he had dated during high school and college. Tom began his dental practice in Gatesville in 1946 and retired in 1983. He also was a dentist for the Texas Department of Justice, retiring in 1986. Tom was one of the founders of Medical Plastics, now Laerdal Medical, and several other local businesses including Anchor Industries, the original maker of the DeckBoat, Leon Plastics, and Camp Cottonwood, a golf camp for kids. He was also one of the original developers of one of the city’s first premier subdivision’s Creek Cliff. He was one of the organizers of the Gatesville County Club, and he was involved in the expansion of the golf course to 18 holes. He served on the country club board of directors and as president of the country club. Tom was also committed to education. He served as a Trustee on the Gatesville School Board for ten years. Other community activities serving on the Gatesville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Chamber Military Affairs Committee, and the civilian advisory board for Fort Hood. In addition to serving his community, Tom served a statewide constituency, which reflected positively on the town. He served as both president and vice-president of the Texas Dental Association, and served for many years on the state Board of Dental Examiners. Tom received many awards including Baylor College of Dentistry’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1986, the TDA President’s Award in 1990, and an ADA Presidential Citation in 1994. Other endeavors include serving as the chairman of the building committee for the First United Methodist Church and also served as the church treasure and chairman of the church’s board of trustees. Tom is a long time member of the Gatesville Masonic Lodge 197 and a member of the Lion’s Club. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Peggy HooverWilliams of Gatesville; son, Reed Williams and wife Joan of San Antonio; daughter, Anita Maberry and husband Bob of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Eric Maberry Carter Williams, Elizabeth Maberry Smith and Kate Williams Lathrop and one great granddaughter Sophia Lathrop. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 2600 East Main, Gatesville, TX 76528 or Coryell Memorial Hospital, 1507 West Main, Gatesville, TX 76528.