By: Ratliff S.C.R. No. 100
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
1-1 WHEREAS, The Legislature of the State of Texas joins citizens
1-2 across the state in mourning the death of Louis Booth Williams,
1-3 President Emeritus of Paris Junior College, on October 24, 1994;
1-4 and
1-5 WHEREAS, The esteemed gentleman dedicated his life to helping
1-6 others achieve success in their lives, and his death will be deeply
1-7 felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him; and
1-8 WHEREAS, The beloved son of Maggie Jo Booth Williams and W.
1-9 Louis Williams, Louis was born near Paris on October 15, 1916, and
1-10 received his early education at View Point School; he graduated
1-11 from Paris High School and attended Paris Junior College where he
1-12 received the college's first Distinguished Service Award in 1935;
1-13 and
1-14 WHEREAS, He earned a bachelor's degree in business
1-15 administration from The University of Texas and a master's degree
1-16 from East Texas State University before furthering his education at
1-17 Harvard University, Trinity University, and Texas A&M University
1-18 and being awarded an honorary doctor of law degree from Texas
1-19 Wesleyan University; and
1-20 WHEREAS, During World War II, Louis Williams served his
1-21 country in the United States Navy and remained in the active
1-22 reserves until his retirement in 1976 as a lieutenant commander;
1-23 and
2-1 WHEREAS, After a notable career as personnel manager of the
2-2 Babcock and Wilcox plant from 1952 to 1967, Mr. Williams was named
2-3 Vice-President of Paris Junior College in 1967 and became its
2-4 President in 1968; and
2-5 WHEREAS, Throughout Mr. Williams's presidency, his
2-6 inspiration was felt by the faculty and students of the college; he
2-7 was a natural leader who loved his work and the people with whom he
2-8 was associated; and
2-9 WHEREAS, Mr. Williams established the A. M. Aikin and Welma
2-10 Aikin Archives at Paris Junior College, including a replica of the
2-11 senator's office; this is one of the original offices in the State
2-12 Capitol to be preserved; and
2-13 WHEREAS, At the time of his retirement from Paris Junior
2-14 College, the administration building was named the Louis B.
2-15 Williams Administration Building in honor of his service to the
2-16 college; and
2-17 WHEREAS, He cochaired the fund-raising drive to establish the
2-18 two A. M. Aikin chairs in the college of education at The
2-19 University of Texas at Austin and served on the selection committee
2-20 for naming the chairs; and
2-21 WHEREAS, In recognition of his notable service to the College
2-22 of Education at The University of Texas and its community college
2-23 leadership program, The University of Texas Board of Regents
2-24 endowed a scholarship in honor of Mr. Williams and his wife, Mary
2-25 Lou; and
3-1 WHEREAS, Before his retirement in August, 1983, Mr. Williams
3-2 earned national recognition as an educator; he served as President
3-3 of the Association of Texas Colleges and Universities, as President
3-4 of the Texas Junior College Association, and as an executive board
3-5 member of the Texas Public College Association; and
3-6 WHEREAS, Named "Man of the Year" in 1977 by Region VI of the
3-7 National Council of Community Services and Continuing Education, he
3-8 was also honored in April, 1994, by the Paris Education Foundation
3-9 when he was the "I Love Paris" honoree; and
3-10 WHEREAS, Mr. Williams was deeply involved in civic
3-11 responsibilities, and his community accomplishments were
3-12 impressive; whether he was serving as president of the Rotarians,
3-13 working with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, heading the
3-14 fund-raising drive for McCuistion Regional Medical Center, or
3-15 serving as cochair of the Lamar County Coalition of Education,
3-16 Business, and Industry, Mr. Williams gave freely of his time and
3-17 abilities to his beloved community; and
3-18 WHEREAS, He leaves a legacy of compassion and commitment that
3-19 will serve as a magnificent example for those who strive to serve
3-20 their fellowman; now, therefore, be it
3-21 RESOLVED, That the 74th Legislature of the State of Texas
3-22 hereby pay tribute to the life of Louis Booth Williams and extend
3-23 sincere condolences to the members of his family: his wife, Mary
3-24 Lou; his children, Joanne W. Click and Louis B. Williams, Jr.; and
3-25 his granddaughters, Eleanor, Mary Elen, and Connelly; and, be it
4-1 further
4-2 RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared for his
4-3 family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas
4-4 Legislature, and that when the legislature adjourns this day, it do
4-5 so in memory of Louis Booth Williams.