Harold Edwin Williams

Harold Edwin Williams, of Lake Charles, LA, passed away May 21, 2021 at the age of 93 in a local care facility. 

Mr. Williams was born February 13, 1928 in a log cabin in Port Arthur, TX.  He lived most of his life in Lake Charles but grew up in Port Arthur.  He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1946.  Harold lived in College Station, TX while attending Texas A&M where he received a bachelor’s degree in Dairy Manufacturing.  Prior to attending A&M he served in the Marine Air Corp.

He held the position of Plant Manager of Guth Dairy for forty-one years where he created the plastic milk bags that so many of us remember from school.  Harold led many elementary students through the plant on school field trips.  After retiring from the dairy industry, he was employed by the CPSO for the 14^th Judicial District Court as courtroom security; he later became head of that division before leaving the CPSO.

A huge part of his life was spent in or around a boxing ring.  He was a Texas light heavyweight Champion, a 2-time Golden Glove Regional Champion, and founded and directed the Lake Charles Recreation Department Boxing Program that influenced hundreds of young men.  Harold coached the Lake Charles amateur boxing team for many years.  He also founded and directed the YMBC Annual Boxing tournament – Golden Gulf Coast Boxing.  He was undefeated in 5 professional fights, and in 1955 was named Heavyweight Prospect of the Year by Ring Magazine.  Harold was also involved with the Old Timers Boxing Group in the Lake Charles area.

Anyone that knew Harold knows how much he loved singing.  As a youngster he sang in a Gospel Quartet with his parents and sister Gaynell.  Later he would become involved in Barbershop groups.  He was a member of the comical quartet called The Crawdads, which won a total of 5 state Championships.  He was a member of the Golden Triangle Harmony Exporters and the Buccaneer Barbershop Chorus, where he served as President for many years.

In 1957, he started playing golf and never really stopped.  At 87 he shot an 87.  He was a member of the Mallard Cove Men’s Association and on the board for 7 years.

Those left to cherish the memory of Mr. Williams are daughters, Kim Williams and husband Ronnie, Donna Ogea and husband Arthur, Kit Wyatt and husband Robert, and Kam Jakubek and husband Jake, all of Lake Charles; son-in-law Roger Smith of Moss Bluff. Also, companion Gayle Fontenot whom he shared life with over the last two years.

Surviving grandchildren are Stefan Smith (Lauren), Bryan Williams (Anna), Kyle Williams (Elizabeth), Lindsey Perry (Brooks), Nikkie Landry (Eric), Zachary Wyatt, Hope Buford (Jake), and Lukas Jakubek. Step grandchildren, Jody Ogea (Rachel), Chad Ogea (Anne) and Jeramie Wyatt.

Great grandchildren are Stella, Breck and Noelle Smith; David, Audrey, and Luke Williams; Neve and Liam Williams; Gavin, Miles, and Brooklyn Perry; Braylon and Presley Landry; and Laney Buford.

He also has one sister, Gaynell DeHart of Port Neches Texas; sister-in-law, Linda Holbrook; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Randy and Virval Holbrook. Many nieces and nephews also survive him.

Preceding Mr. Williams in death is his wife of 67 years Elizabeth Holbrook Williams, his daughter Kay Williams Smith, parents Lawson and Addie Mae Williams, sister Chloe Connella, and infant brother Elray Williams. His last four-legged pet was a boxer named Rocky-he was a loyal companion always by his side.

His funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at University Baptist Church, under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.  Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery.  Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and continue on Thursday from 9:00 AM until the start of the service.

The family would love to extend gratitude for the dedication and care the nurses at Memorial Hospital SICU and Harbor Hospice showed Harold during his brief illness.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lake Charles Pit Bull Rescue, 419 Contour Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605.