Williams, a Dickinson musician, dies at 68

DICKINSON — Jazz musician Pat Williams died of respiratory complications Wednesday morning at Triumph Hospital in Clear Lake.

Williams, who played with Lionel Hampton and B.B. King, was 68.

He taught students at Our Lady of Fatima School, Galveston Catholic School and Oppe Elementary School in Galveston. He was a member of the Jazz Mass Band at Holy Rosary Catholic Church for 18 years and also played at St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church in Galveston until his health failed.

A native of Dickinson, Williams got his first trumpet from his father, Joe Williams, who was the first black sheriff’s deputy for Galveston County.

Pat Williams began touring with Galveston’s Bobby Scott Orchestra. By age 20, Williams was on the road. He traveled to Detroit to become a part of the “Motown sound” and also performed with Nancy Wilson and The Temptations.

Williams leaves behind his wife of 21 years, Carolyn, of Galveston, and five children. Funeral arrangements are pending with Wynn Funeral Home.