Virginia Williams, widow of legendary University of Houston golf head coach Dave Williams passed away Thursday, the school announced. She was 88 years old.
Virginia Williams, center, with son Joel Williams and daughter Peggy Williams Grote during the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Dave Williams Golf Academy at Redstone Golf Club in 2011. (University of Houston athletics)
Regarded as the ‘First Lady of UH golf,’ Virginia Williams was married to Dave Williams for more than 55 years until his death in 1998. She served as unofficial ‘assistant coach’ at her husband’s side, traveling to tournaments around the world for more than four decades.
Under Dave Williams, the Cougars built one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division I history, winning 16 team national championships and eight individual titles during his tenure from 1952-87.
A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Wharton Funeral Home (515 E. Boling Highway) in Wharton.
Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday at Evergreen Cemetery in Wharton, followed by a memorial celebration of her life at 11 a.m. at Wharton Funeral Home.
Williams is survived by a sister, Martha Ann Evans of Vicksburg, Miss.; son Joel Williams and his wife Debbie; daughter Peggy Grote and her husband Steve; four grandchildren, Kellye Demski, Zach Williams, David Grote, Travis Grote; and five great grandchildren, MaKenzie Demski, Sydney Demski, Kambell Demski, Ann Reese Grote and Jacob Williams.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to the University of Houston Golf Team, 3100 Cullen Blvd., Golf Office, Houston, Texas 77204 or the Abell St. Church of Christ, 501 Abell St., Wharton, Texas 77488.
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