Wendell Williams

Type Obit Here NORTH RICHLAND HILLS -- Wendell Clayton Williams, 80, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011, at a local hospital.        Funeral: 11 a.m. Saturday at Smithfield United Methodist Church, 6701 Smithfield Road, North Richland Hills, with the pastor, the Rev. Lisa Neslony, officiating. Burial: Following the service Wendell will be laid to rest in Smithfield Cemetery. Visitation: The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Lucas Sylvania Funeral Home.        Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully invites you to honor Wendell's memory with gifts in his name to Scottish Rite Hospital or Smithfield United Methodist Church.        Wendell was born in Sioux City, Iowa, to Reece and Ruth Williams on Sept. 3, 1930.        He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He met the love of his life, Laverne Lewis, and they married on Nov. 7, 1953. The Lord blessed them with two sons, Rick and Roger.        Wendell was a devoted Christian and a member of Smithfield United Methodist Church for 58 years. Wendell served the Lord in many capacities; 48 years as Sunday school teacher, 25 years as the church softball coach, 35 years as the president of the Smithfield Cemetery Association, and many years as youth director and basketball coach. There was no job too big or too small. If he thought he could make a difference or touch a heart he was up to the task. He was a good and faithful servant.        The family is grateful to Emerald Hills Rehabilitation Center and all the wonderful people that make a difference on a daily basis.        Wendell was preceded in death by his sister, Elaine Jack.        Survivors: Wendell is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Laverne Williams; sons, Rick Williams and wife, Lisa, and Roger Williams and wife, Lisa; grandchildren, Brandi Gentry and husband, Jarrod, Kandi Williams, Kristin Williams and Brian Williams; great-grandchildren, Natalie Williams, Marissa Hammack, Tyler Hammack, Justin Gentry and Kody Gentry; brother, Ray Williams and wife, Patsy; brother-in-law, Gaylon Jack; and nieces, nephews and extended family. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Wendell Williams please visit our Sympathy Store.