Walter Calvin Williams

Walter Calvin Williams, also known as Walt, Dad, Grandpa, and Paw Paw, was born on
May 17, 1946 in Gary, Indiana to Hattie Pearl Williams and William Taylor. He transitioned on
Friday, September 3, 2021 in his home in Fort Worth, Texas.
Walter spent his early years in Gary, Indiana where he attended elementary through high
school. He was a 1965 graduate of Gary Roosevelt High. While in high school, Walter played
football and was a member of the Newspaper Club. Upon graduation, Walter attended
Defiance College in Defiance, Ohio where he played football and graduated with a Bachelor of
Science Degree in Elementary Education. Walter married Patricia Pulliam in 1967. Walter taught
for nine years in Gary, Indiana at Vohr Elementary, Pulaski Middle School, and Emerson High
School. He also served as Dean of Students at Kennedy King Middle School.
In 1984, Walter and Pat moved to Fort Worth, Texas with their children Lynette, Olatunji,
and Jamal. He taught at various Fort Worth schools, including East Handley Elementary,
Ridglea Hills Elementary, and the Accelerated High School. At each school, Walter was
celebrated as an outstanding teacher as evidenced by this letter, he received years later from a
student:
“You made my 4th grade very special because you were one of my first teachers who cared. I
will always remember how considerate and gracious you were. I went on to earn a B.S.
in Special Education from Texas Women’s University.”
In addition to teaching, Walter was an exemplary artist. He loved drawing and painting.
Walter extended his compassion and caring in his relationship with God. Walter and his
daughter Lynette were baptized together in Gary, Indiana on November 2, 1975, at St. John
Baptist Church where Reverend Julius James was the minister. After relocating to Fort Worth,
Walter united with Mount Gilead Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Cedric Britt.
Walter loved his church and was always willing to assist. He made beautiful handmade signs to
announce events, served in the technology ministry, and also volunteered at the Vacation Bible
School. Before Alzheimer's invaded his body, Walter etched uplifting phrases and messages of
hope in rocks and gave them to people to spread the gospel. People often say to his family
members: “I still have that rock that your husband/dad gave me.” His faith was as solid as a
rock.
Walter’s greatest joy was his three children: Lynette, Olatunji, and Jamal. He showed
them by example how a Christian man should love, protect, and provide for his wife and
children. He taught his children the importance of education, integrity, how to live a Godcentered life, and modeled how to always be willing to help others. Walter showed them how to
be well-rounded as exhibited in his love of art, music, games, and the Chicago Bears. He never
bragged about his children, but he was so proud of them. They made him smile. Walter’s
grandchildren and great-grandchildren always came in the house looking for Dad. They knew
he was going to take time to play with them and teach them a game, do papier mâché, take
them on a bicycle ride, or even put a bowling alley in the den. He was fun.
Dear Grandpa,
I was asked to write about the most important person in my life besides the Lord. I
chose you before my parents because you were always my go to person to have fun. You
were the person in my life that made it worth having fun. I know it might be too late to say so I
am writing it down. You played a big role in my school work. My mom helped me with my
homework but you made it fun. Some of my memories are fading as I get older but one big
thing that I do remember is when you would let me sleep at you and Grandma’s house.
Grandma would always make the best food and I would always have the best time. Me and
you would bet on who could win in chess and it was always me by the way. The bet would
always be, if I win I get to throw away a pack of cigarettes and I thought this was the best bet
ever. Besides chess, I can and will always remember you taking me up to the park on our
bikes…I loved your neighborhood. We would go out and people would be out playing soccer
and basketball. We would always be playing on the swing and as you pushed me I would try to
kick you. After the swing, we would always hit up the ice cream truck when it would come
through. I also wanted to let you know how the neighborhood has changed a little! There are
not as many people outside anymore. Some people are still out but I am happy to say there are
still good people living in these houses. Also Grandma is doing very well. She goes and visits
you everyday. Grandma loves you so much you are very lucky to have her as your wife. I
really do miss the hot days of chess and bike riding but God willing we will all rejoice in heaven
together riding bikes and eating ice cream. Hopefully Grandma gets this letter and can read it
to you. Maybe, just maybe you will be able to understand. Because I know you’re in there
somewhere. I love you everyday in Texas with all my heart. I would do anything for you guys.
I would do anything to live back in Texas or rewind time to just give you a hug.”
Love, Ayinde Williams


Walter is preceded in death by his mother, Hattie Pearl Williams; his father William
Taylor; his youngest brother, John Michael Williams; and his grandfather, John Williams.
Walter's life and legacy will be cherished by his wife of 54 years, Patricia Williams; their three
children, Lynette Williams-Baker of Fort Worth, Texas; Jamal (Brandi) Williams of Fort Worth;
Texas; and Olatunji (Felicia) Williams of Indianapolis, Indiana; grandchildren, Lydonna (Brian)
Lambert, Nicole Mason, Ayinde and Ajani Williams, and Grace and Emery Williams; greatgrandchildren, Xavier Hollis, Booker T. (BT) Ross, Patrice Washington, and Laila Johnson. He is
also treasured by one brother in Gary, Indiana, Bruce (Enochia) Huley; sisters-in-law Henri
Louise King and Betty Joiner of Gary, Indiana, Deborah (Joe) Canty of Fort Worth, Texas,
brother-in-law Willie (Ann) Pulliam of St. Cloud, Florida, and a host of nieces, nephews, and
friends.