Maurice Williams

Maurice Mitchell Williams, 96, of Itasca, Texas, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday morning, October 20, 2024, at Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors, Hillsboro, with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Reverend Paul Clark, Pastor of Walnut Street Baptist Church in Hillsboro, Texas, will be officiating. Interment will follow at Itasca Cemetery.

Maurice was born in Hamilton, Texas, to William Christopher and Ethel (McClintock) Williams on July 25, 1928. He was one of seven children: Lee Young, Ernest Weldon, Henry Burnell, William Christopher Jr., Martha Frances, and Floy Ethelene. He was baptized in September of 1940 at Blue Ridge Baptist Church in Hamilton County, Texas. He married Marie (Johnson) Moore on October 11, 1963, and remained married to her until her death on December 9, 1975. Maurice then married Geraldine "Dean" Davis on August 28, 1976, and was married to her until her death on May 8, 2018.

After graduating from Blue Ridge Community School, Maurice started a long career in the grocery supply industry. In 1981, Maurice and Dean moved from Edgecliff Village in south Fort Worth to the farm north of Itasca. Maurice initially retired from American (Tastee) Bakeries of Fort Worth, Texas, in 1985. He then began employment with the Presbyterian Children's Home, fully retiring in 1993.

Maurice was a member of Central Baptist Church in Itasca, Texas, where he also served as a deacon and trustee. He was the Sunday School director from 1987 to 1992. Maurice also served with the local Ministerial Alliance.

Maurice was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, and Rangers. He and Dean had several dogs through the years, including Andy and Kai Kai, who were a joy in his life. He enjoyed family events, such as bi-monthly ice cream socials that rotated between family homes. He cherished visits with family in Hamilton County and Alabama. Recently reconnected with his granddaughters, Maurice loved to hear about their lives and activities. Maurice and Dean enjoyed traveling to their favorite restaurants, including Marble Falls to eat at the Blue Bonnet Café, never leaving without a cup of coffee and a slice of pie. Maurice loved to eat breakfast every day at IHOP, where his order was well known, and coffee was ready when he entered the restaurant.

Maurice is survived by his nephew, Kenneth Davis, and wife Gloria; niece Karen Brackin and husband David; great-nephew Harley Davis and wife Sherry; and two great-great-nephews, Nolan and Joseph Davis, all of Itasca. Granddaughters, Tracy Barnes and husband John of Chandler, Texas; and Candice Moore and husband Kevin of Kerrville, Texas. Step-daughters Betty McClung and Jerrie Swann and husband Gilbert; and step-son, Kenneth Moore, all of Alabama. Maurice is also survived by numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Memorials can be made to Hill County Paw Pals, PO Box 1533, Hillsboro, Texas 76645, or to a charity of one's choice.