Dr. J. Clifton Williams, 84, passed away Dec. 17, 2012, at home surrounded by family. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, Jan 20, at 2 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church.
Born to J. Elisha and Isla (Jackson) Williams, Clif was reared in Abilene with his six sisters. As a child of the Depression, he started working at a very young age and worked hard all his life. He loved learning and understood its importance. After graduating from Abilene High School, he attended and graduated from Coyne Electrical School in Chicago at the age of 17. He joined the Marine Corps at 18 and served as an MP during the last few months of WWII. Following his tour of duty in the Marine Corps, he earned his BA in Psychology (Cum Laude) from Baylor in 1952, his Master’s degree in Personnel Services from the University of Colorado in 1954, and his Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Purdue in 1958.
He met Janice Newland at Baylor, and they married in 1950. It was the beginning of a 61-year love affair and partnership that was only suspended when Jan passed away last year. Clif and Jan were great parents to their children, Eric and Lynn Williams. Clif showed unending patience while teaching his children skills they would need later in life. Summers were spent on camping vacations across the USA. Clif was equally devoted to his four grandsons. He spent evenings wrestling on the floor with them, taking them for tractor rides, watching old movies with them on summer afternoons, and attending sporting events, birthday parties and other family holidays.
Clif was a central figure in the Williams and Newland families. He enjoyed spending time with members of each generation. Everyone loved Uncle Clifton and felt they were special to him. The truth is, they were special to him, and he loved, listened to, and supported each member of his extended family.
Clif was a scholar and authored numerous publications in Leadership/Management Development as well as established his own publishing company. As a psychologist he was an attentive listener and had time for friends’ problems as well as their hopes and dreams. He served as a mentor to many faculty members, students, and friends. As a teacher he had a positive and lasting influence on the lives of many of his students. His friendships were strong and endured until the end of his life.
Above all, Clif was a man of deep faith. He was baptized at age nine in the Clear Fork of the Brazos River. He studied and worked on his relationship with Christ all his life. He had a deep, unshakable faith that was strengthened in tough times. He read the Bible every day and served in any capacity his church needed, including deacon, committee member, and Sunday School teacher. He believed that his death was the beginning of a new life in heaven with the Lord and that we should be celebrating for him.
Clif was a humble man, but tradition dictates that we note some of his accomplishments. He was first employed at Baylor in 1954 as an instructor. He retired as Vice President for Human Resources and Planning and Acting Vice President of Finance, having held positions of Advisor to President Herbert H. Reynolds, H.R. Gibson Professor of Management, Administrative Vice President, and Dean of the Graduate School. Awards included: Baylor University Outstanding Faculty Member, Distinguished Professor Award, Baylor Alumni Associated Retired Administrator Award, and Distinguished Civilian Service Award from the US Army (for work as the Dean of the Graduate School).
Clif was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Newland Williams; his parents; and three of his sisters, Reba Hay, Ruby Butler, and Lataine Williams.
He is survived by his daughter, Lynn Williams; son, Eric and wife, Dena Williams; grandsons, Austin, Beau, Colby and Drake; sisters, Etrille Warr, Doris Gynelle Sumner, and Glenda Eaton; and the entire Newland and Williams families.
There were many things in this world Clif treasured. He was devoted to Baylor, and during his 40 + year career, he had a profound effect on his alma mater. He was instrumental in many decisions that made Baylor what it is today. Beyond his professional life, Clif gave himself fully to his family. He would take a trip with Jan and Lynn at a moment’s notice. He also delighted in developing real estate projects with his son, Eric. He relaxed from the worries of life by working on his tractor or backhoe. Most of all, he loved the Lord and covered his family daily in prayer.