Don Marion Williams

Don Marion Williams, a dedicated and respected member of his community, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, in Bellville, Texas. Born on October 3, 1940, in Calvert, Texas, Don led a life marked by service, both to his country and his fellow citizens.

Above all the accomplishments in his life, and there were many, his greatest accomplishment on this earth was being dad to Stacie and Doug, and granddaddy to Cade, Ava, Garrett and Lana. Each and every one of his children and grandchildren made his eyes light up whenever they walked into a room. Don always made them feel unconditionally loved and cherished, he was truly so proud of them all.

A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps., Don cherished the time he spent serving his country and carried the values instilled in him through that experience throughout his life. He treasured the memory of enlisting into the Marines with his brother Clarence and going to bootcamp together. He also treasured the time he spent with the brothers he came to know and love, veterans who served in the Marine Corp. and are proudly known as the Bodfish chapter. After graduating high school and serving in the Marines, Don joined Proctor & Gamble and became a successful salesman and later became an entrepreneur, owning and operating a successful Real Estate company in Houston and later in life chose to start a crime prevention security company. His passion and commitment to making communities safer was evident in every aspect of his work and leadership. Notably, he founded the Texas Crime Prevention Association and The Texas Association of Former Marines and in both of these organizations Don served as President for several terms over the years. Don made significant contributions to the field of security, he taught regularly at the Houston Police Academy, he was one of the creators of “McGruff the Crime Dog—Take A Bite Out Of Crime” and also founded the Houston neighborhood night watch program, this program became so successful that it eventually rolled out nationwide, where residents worked with law enforcement to make their neighborhoods safer by looking out for suspicious activity and reporting it. The life of Don Williams made a huge difference in the lives of Americans, communities all throughout the U.S.A. are indeed safer because of his love and service to them.

Don’s professional pursuits were complemented by a number of proud memories including providing security for notable local Houstonian Mattress Mack, being friends with legendary snipers Carlos Hathcock and Chris Kyle, Chris loved talking to Don on the phone and hearing the personal stories of friendship Don had with Carlos. Don was a friend to low-ranking soldiers and Generals alike, he treated them all with genuine respect and honor. Don had friendships with many notable figures, including the native American ‘code talkers’, and the Tuskegee Airmen. Don enjoyed introducing his friends to others, helping them make connections and furthering their dreams, he was the ultimate cheerleader and fan of his friends, to have Don on your side was a gift. Don was always actively involved in politics, working as precinct chairman as a blue dog democrat in his younger years to help elect John F. Kennedy for President and also helping the congressional campaign of George Bush, Sr. After George Bush Sr. won his congressional election he asked Don to be on his staff but Don chose to pursue other interests, later in life Don jokingly would say “I turned Bush down, if I had stayed with him I could’ve rode that wave all the way to the White House and might have been Chief of Staff”. Don’s humor, his stories and laid-back attitude will be missed by everyone that knew him. His dedication to his friends and country did not go unnoticed, earning him the respect and admiration of peers and community members alike.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, John Williams and Ara Lee Lott Bates, who shaped the foundation of his character and principles, his brother Clarence with whom he loved to laugh and remember the good ole days, his beautiful 15 year old son Doug, in and through whom he saw the BEST in himself his best friend that forever changed Don as a person, and his 18 year old firstborn grandson Cade, the very apple of his eye who carried the heart of a dove and the smile of Jesus. Don is now reunited with them all. What a reunion they are having today, and they are now cheering us all on from the grandstands of heaven.

Don's passing leaves a void that will be felt deeply among those who had the privilege to know him. His loyal companions, his little dogs Lola and Sarah were by his side during his final moments, a testament to his love for all creatures great and small. His dogs are now being spoiled in Arkansas where they are being loved and cared for by his daughter Stacie and her husband Kai.

As we remember Don Marion Williams, we honor a man who lived a life of purpose, service, and compassion, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come. Don’s family would like to extend an invitation to all who knew and loved Don to join them in celebrating his life on November 29th, 2025 at 2pm at the American Legion Hall in Sealy, Texas.