Grady Carl Williams

Long-time Scurry County resident, farmer, rancher, church and community leader Grady Carl Williams passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2026, of natural causes at Good Life Senior Living in Snyder. A funeral service for Mr. Williams will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Colonial Hill Baptist Church in Snyder. Burial will follow at Hobbs Cemetery in Hobs, TX. Arrangements are under the direction of Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home.

There is no visitation planned at this time.

Carl was born on September 7, 1932, in Fisher County, Texas to Grady and Laura Mae Williams. His life was defined by tireless faith, community service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to agriculture and education. Throughout his 94 years, he impacted countless lives through his dedication to family, church, industry, and the people of West Texas.

He graduated from Hermleigh High School in 1950 and enrolled at Texas Technological College, now Texas Tech University. His four years at Tech were filled with academic, athletic and extracurricular involvement. He played football, was an active member of the Block and Bridle Club, and earned recognition as a member of the National Championship Livestock Judging Team. In 1954, he graduated from Texas Tech with a Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Economics and Animal Husbandry.

On January 29, 1954, he married the love of his life, Nona Lee Hudnall in Hobbs, Texas. Together they built a life centered on faith and family, building a legacy that would span generations.

Following graduation, he served his country in the United States Air Force. Stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, he achieved the rank of First Lieutenant. His military service reflected the integrity, discipline, and leadership that would characterize every chapter of his life.

After completing his military service, he returned to Texas Tech University to pursue a Master's Degree in Animal Husbandry. His passion for agriculture and education led him to Mississippi State University, where he worked as a professor in the Agriculture Department and coached the Mississippi State University Livestock Judging Team, helping shape the next generation of agricultural leaders. In 2013, Carl was inducted into the Mississippi State University Livestock Judging Hall of Fame.

In 1961, he returned home to Texas to pursue his lifelong calling of farming and ranching. Over the following decades, he became a respected agricultural producer and industry advocate, combining practical knowledge, leadership, and a deep commitment to stewardship of the land.

His faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of his life. He faithfully served as a member of Colonial Hill Baptist Church in Snyder, Texas since 1968. Throughout the years, he filled numerous roles within the church, including deacon, Sunday School teacher, and key member of the church's television ministry. He considered faith as one of his greatest privileges and devoted countless hours to serving his church family.

Carl’s commitment to public service extended far beyond the walls of the church. He held numerous leadership positions throughout Scurry County and across the State of Texas. He served on the Soil Conservation Board, the ASC Agriculture Board, and was a determined advocate in leading the effort to control boll weevils in Scurry County. He was actively involved with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Midwest Electric Cooperative, the Big Country Electric Cooperative, the Cogdell Memorial Hospital Board, and the Western Texas College Board of Trustees. He also served as President of the Western Texas College Booster Club, supporting educational and athletic opportunity for the young men and women of West Texas.

He was a supporter of youth agriculture and actively involved with the Scurry County Junior Livestock Association. Among his greatest joys was showing calves alongside his daughters and later his grandsons, passing down not only agricultural knowledge but also the values of hard work, responsibility, discipline and character.

His influence extended statewide through his service on the Board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, where he served faithfully for ten years. Whether in the church, on a board, in a classroom, on a ranch, or at a youth livestock show, he led with humility, conviction, and a servant's heart.

He will be remembered as a man of strong faith, steadfast character, and dedicated service. His life reflected a commitment to God, family, education, agriculture, and community. The legacy he leaves behind will continue to inspire all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother and sister Johnnie Lee Patterson.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Nona Hudnall Williams; daughters Connie Collier (Tim), Annette Barrineau (Al), Shari Zoda (Jim) and Melissa Perry (Joe); five grandsons, Will Collier (Lauren), Brady Collier (Becky), Zack Zoda, Zane Zoda, Charlie Barrineau and one granddaughter, Laura Lee Perry. He leaves eight great-grandchildren to carry his legacy; Micah Collier, Jaxson Collier, Taylor Collier, Mallerie Collier, Tymrie Collier, Jagger Collier, Mia Collier and Tati Collier and brother Dwaine Collier (JoAnn); along with a host of extended family members, friends, church members and colleagues whose lives were enriched by his example and friendship.

The family rejoices in the knowledge and comfort that he has entered into his eternal home, where his faith has become sight and where he rests in the company of his Lord and Savior.

The family would like to thank the staff at Good Life Care Center and West Texas Hospice for the love and care they showed to Carl and his family.

Then I shall end my sad complaints And weary sinful days

And join with the triumphant saints That sing my Savior’s praise.

My knowledge of that life is small. The eye of faith is dim.

But ‘tis enough that Christ knows all And I shall be with Him.

…from The Dying Prayer by Richard Baxter