Funeral services for Rodney Williams, 79, of Livingston, Texas, will be held Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in the First Texas Indian Baptist Church in Livingston, Texas with Rev. Roy Jernigan officiating. Interment will follow in the First Texas Indian Baptist Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the service begins at 2:00 p.m. at the church.

Rodney Williams was born on June 26, 1942, in Elton, Louisiana to Albert and Adele Williams.  He was a member of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana and belonged to the Turkey Clan.  The oldest of nine children, Rodney was raised in Elton and graduated with the class of 1960 at Elton High School.  Afterward, he moved to Houston, Texas, where he obtained his welder's certification and worked for many years in the welding industry.  Later, he proudly worked with the National Park Service in Kountze until retirement.  Rodney was called to his heavenly home on November 17, 2021, surrounded by family at his home in Livingston, Texas.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Adele Williams; late wife, Mary Obe Williams; brother, Elray Williams; niece, Delinda Kay Williams; mother-in-law, Liz Jernigan; and brother-in-law, Oscar Williams.

To cherish his memory, Rodney is survived by his loving wife, Linda Jernigan Williams of Livingston; daughter, Charlene Williams of Livingston; son, Bryan Williams and wife, Stephanie of Livingston; daughter and son-in-law, Crystal Williams and Tyler Greymountain of Elton, Louisiana; bonus children, Jeremy Shirley and wife, Amy, April Litner and husband, Colby, and Autumn Batease and husband, John all of North Carolina; grandchildren, Traci Thompson and husband, Brent, Chad Alec and wife, Tahwnee, Kinney Alec, and Whitney Williams all of Livingston, Ty'Leah and Shai Greymountain of Elton, Louisiana; bonus grandchildren, Jade, Liam, Jocelyn, Kayden, and Cogen all of North Carolina; great-grandchildren, Ke'Tanah, Layla Mary, and Amora Thompson all of Livingston and father-in-law, Reverend Roy Jernigan. In addition, Rodney is survived by his brothers, Norman Williams and wife, Billie Sue, Larry Williams and wife, Wynema, Verlis Williams and wife, Terri; sisters, Delores Williams, Peggy Williams, Sandra Walker and husband, Johnny, Rebecca Alec and husband, Lyndon, all residing in Livingston; sister-in-law, Sherolyn King also of Livingston; and brother-in-law, Larry Jernigan and wife, Nell of North Carolina, as well as his dear aunt, Monnie Mae Langley, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, and many friends and former colleagues.

Pallbearers are nephews, Eric Williams, Craig Williams, Brandon Williams, Jonathan Williams, Ryan Alec, Shaun Walker, Jason Williams, and Anthony Williams; and special friends, Calvin Sylestine and Jeremy Fuselier.  Honorary Pallbearers are Lovelin and Lorenda Poncho, Barbara Langley, Ernest Sickey, and the Elton High Class of 1960.

Rodney had a life well-lived and enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking, barbequing, the outdoors, classic cars, and the Houston Texans.  If you would like to honor his memory, you may donate in his honor to a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.  The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Jerry Wood and Kindred Hospice for the excellent care Rodney received. In addition, sincerest thanks gos to Mrs. Alvada, who was Rodney's "guardian angel."

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."  - II Timothy 4:7-8