Bash planned for Williams

Johnny and Debra Williams If you held a popularity contest amongst the local folk, chances are great that the name Johnny Williams would be at the top of the list. Williams didn't actually grow up in Buffalo or even Leon County but most folks around these parts look past his Donie/Limestone County roots and accept him as "one of us".

After 33 years with the U.S. Postal Service Williams is hanging up his stamp and "goin' to the house". He won't be lonely there because his wife of 35 years, Debra, is retiring from the Post Of- fice as well. She is a shorttimer with only 30 years with the postal service, but the two think it is time to kick back and have some fun. Not that they haven't enjoyed the past 30 plus years, because they will be the first to tell you that they wouldn't trade their experiences for anything.

Johnny grew up in Donie and graduated from Teague High School in 1968. Before applying for the postal position, Williams worked for Citizens State Bank in Buffalo and also began his second career with the Buffalo Liveby Livestock Commission, where he worked concurrently for 35 years.

Debra graduated from Elgin High School and attended Sam Houston State University. Both of the Williams are looking forward to spending time with their grandchildren.

Johnny and Debra have one son John Shawe, who is married to Courtney. They have two children, Hunter and Emma and live in Lovelady.

Emmy, the Williams' daughter, graduated from Texas A&M and lives in College Station.

Johnny said of his years at the Post Office, "It has been a privilege for both of us to have served the Buffalo area as long as we have. It has been a fun ride." A retirement celebration is planned for Sunday, January 25th from 2-6 at the Buffalo Civic Center to honor Johnny and Debra.