Marion E. Williams

Marion Eugene Williams, Jr., age 77, of Beeville, Texas, passed away on January 13, 2025. He was born on July 18, 1947, in Richmond, Virginia, to Eugene Williams and Frances Ferguson Williams.

Marion’s life was defined by love, service, and dedication to both his family and community. He graduated from St. Christopher’s School in Richmond, VA, and continued his education at Duke University, where he was a varsity letterman on the Duke University Lacrosse team and a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He graduated in 1969, joined the North Carolina National Guard, and then earned his law degree from the University of North Carolina Law School in 1974.

Before law school, Marion married the love of his life, Mary Lucile Gruy, who for the next 54 years proudly became known as Lucy Williams. Together, they shared a life filled with adventure, deep affection, and countless cherished memories. Together the two things they enjoyed most were their children.

After completing their education, Marion and Lucy moved to Tampa Bay, Florida, where Marion began his distinguished career in law. After one year, they relocated to Beeville, Texas, where they would spend the rest of Marion’s life. Although originally from the East Coast, Marion quickly fell in love with Texas and embraced its culture, people, and natural beauty.

Marion was an active and respected lawyer in the Beeville community for more than 50 years. He served the people of Bee County with distinction, at different times holding positions as Bee County Attorney and Assistant Prosecutor in Rockport, Texas. His legal career was defined by his dedication to justice, integrity, and community service.

In addition to his professional career, Marion was deeply committed to service in his community. Some of his most cherished acts of service included his involvement with the Rotary Club, his long-standing role on the Board of the Joe Barnhart Bee County Library, and on the Vestry of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, including multiple terms as the Senior Warden. He also served on the Church Search Committee and contributed to the life of the church in countless ways. 

Marion’s personal life was filled with love and joy, especially his relationships with family and friends. Being an only child, he shared a deep love for his many cousins from the Carolinas, and he treasured these relationships throughout his life. This was complemented by many meaningful relationships built in Texas enjoying mornings at the coffee shop, Friday Beta-boy lunches, weekends on the golf course, weeknights on the tennis court and red wine over a dove tank. Marion was an avid traveler, and a lifelong Duke Basketball fan deeply committed to his beloved Blue Devils.

Later in life, Marion enjoyed an afternoon nap, nature walks in Texas parks, educational adventures with his grandchildren - Lucy Muhlig (14), Cisco Williams (12), and Stella Williams (10) - and, above all, the simple joy of holding hands with his wife, Lucy.

Marion’s professional career, marked by intellect, passion, and dedication, was paralleled by his deep sense of generosity, kindness, and humor. He had strong faith in God, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lucy; his daughter, Ellie Williams (husband Adam Muhlig); his son, Gene Williams (wife Sonya); his cherished grandchildren, Lucy Muhlig, Cisco Williams, and Stella Williams; and his extended family, including his many cousins from the Carolinas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Frances Williams.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 17, 2025, at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home in Beeville.

The funeral service to celebrate Marion’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 18, 2025, at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Beeville, Texas, with a Celebration of Life following the service at the Beeville Country Club. The family invites all who knew Marion to join them in honoring his memory.

Marion will be laid to rest at Greenhill Cemetery in Hebbronville at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, January 19, 2025.

Pallbearers will be Cruz Alaniz, Louie Alaniz, Jeffrey Fish, Jason Jennings, Trace Morrill, Derek Spielhagen, Eric Spielhagen and Clark Welder.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Philip’s Episcopal Church or the Joe Barnhart Bee County Library in Marion’s memory.

May Marion rest in peace.