Parade Marshal

Don Wesley Williams born April 6, 1917, in Rosewood (Upshur County) to Pack and Myrtle Williams. He went to school in Gilmer and was a graduate of Texas A&M in 1938 with a Business Degree. He joined the Navy in 1941 and spent five years in the Naval Air Corp during World War II before returning to Gilmer and joining his father in Gilmer Lumber Company. Don married the late Mattie Ruth Stropp (also from Gilmer) February 13, 1942. They had four children: Stephen John Williams, Paul David Williams, Donna Ruth Williams Farris and Nancy Lee Williams Sawyer.

He was Yamboree President in 1950, his daughter Donna was Queen in 1966, Nancy was Queen in 1967, Stephen John was President in 1980, Paul David was President in 1985, his granddaughter Tracy Diane Williams Esquivel (daughter of Paul David) was Queen in 1992 and Brian David Williams (also son of Paul David) was President in 2004.

Don Williams currently resides at Westminster Place Buckner in Longveiw, Tx. where he is President of the Residents Association. He has served his community in the past on many levels in hopes to better the town and surrounding counties. Don has served as a director of First National Bank, Robroy Industries, Gilmer Industrial Foundation, Gilmer Country Club, Gilmer City Council,and East Texas Yamboree Association. He also has been a faithful member of Bethesda Masonic Lodge #142 and Gilmer Church of Christ for many years.