Darris Lenn (DL) Williams

Darris Lenn (DL) Williams Sr., 92, of Hillsboro died peacefully Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at his home surrounded by loved ones. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Hillsboro with Rev. Danny Gilliam and Rev. Ken James officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Garden of Memory near Hillsboro. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, April 26, at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro.

DL was born in San Angelo, Texas, to William Morton Williams and Dorothea J. Sorenson Williams.  He married Clara R. Carr in March 2001.

DL’s family followed his Dad’s bricklayer work, living in tents, until 1932 when they settled near Austin, Texas, then later moved to the Bastrop/Paige Texas area. DL began servicing trucks when he was 14 and driving trucks by age 16.

In 1947, he married Ednah R. Gest in Bastrop where they had three children. DL gave his life to Christ in 1954 and God was in control from that point on. He moved his family to several Texas cities throughout the years where they joined the local Baptist church, until settling at First Baptist Church of Hillsboro in January 1963. DL was an ordained Deacon for over 50 years.

DL bought a truck in 1962 and started DL Williams Trucking Company in Hillsboro, and later in 1974, he formed DL Williams Wood Products, Inc. until retiring in 2016. DL was recognized over the years by local hospitality and community groups for his generous spirit and by the trucking industry for his business operations.

DL and wife, Clara, hosted many a bluegrass and country gospel nights at “DL’s Barn” with wonderful friends, sharing potluck meals, playing music, singing, and playing dominoes and cards. Every gathering began with the Pledge of Allegiance, singing of the National Anthem, and a Prayer.

DL was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ednah R. Williams of 53 years; four brothers and two sisters-in-law, William M. Williams, Jr., Harold C. Williams and wife, Mabel, Charles R Williams and wife, Billie, and John A. Williams; son-in-law, Hoye L. Allen; grandson, Christopher G. Allen; and step daughter-in-law, Norma Mullins.

Survivors include his wife, Clara R. Williams of 20 years; daughter, Pat Allen; son, Lenn Williams and wife, Janet; daughter, Jeanie Dykes and husband, Murph; 5 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; 14 great-great grandchildren; stepsons, Dwight Mullins, Steven Mullins and wife, Mary, and Keith Mullins and wife, Lawana; stepdaughters, Debbie Pugh and husband, Roger, Teresa Porter, and Brenda Williams and husband, Mark; 12 step grandchildren; 29 step great grandchildren; 3 step great-great grandchildren; and numerous and very special cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family wishes to thank DL’s caregivers Karen Laramore, Teresa Porter, and the Providence Hospice of Whitney nursing staff for their love and support.  Also, a very special thank you to Gary and Kathy Porter for their care and good deeds too numerous to list.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 271, Hillsboro, TX 76645; Providence Hospice of Whitney, 400 S. Colorado Street, Whitney, TX 76692; or a charity of one’s choice. May God bless.

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