From Garland Daily News, January 1960

WILLIAMS SYSNONYMOUS WITH GARLAND GROWTH

The name Williams has been closely associated with the progress of Garland. It all started back in 1885 when M. D. Williams and his brother, Jasper established a store on the banks of Duck Creek.  Williams Dry Goods and Grocery Store was indeed a busy place.  Not only were the farmers able to buy their food and clothes here but livestock, plows and other farming items were sold and they could have their cotton weighed at the same time they did their marketing.  An early policy of the founders was offering service to their community in every way possible and funeral service was a part of this.

In 1896, the store was moved to the Garland square and later to the present location on Garland Avenue.  They discontinued their merchandising in 1920 to devote time exclusively to funeral direction.

M. D. Williams was chosen first mayor of Garland at a special election on May 5, 1891.  He served as a city councilman for many years.  Throughout his lifetime he was active in civic affairs in Garland and worked for the progress of the town.  M. D. Williams Elementary School was named in his honor, as well as Williams Stadium.

D. Cecil Williams joined his father’s business as a young man.  After completing his training at the Dallas School of Embalming, he took over active management of the funeral home in 1917 and has continued to direct its growth and progress through the years.

There are third generation Williams who are licensed embalmers.  Cecil Williams’ son, Marion, and his daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Patton.

Other officers of the funeral home are William D. Spurlock and George Rosenbaum, embalmers, and Haskell McCallum, driver.

In addition to the funeral home, Williams Insurance Company, a home-owned mutual aid association, has offices there and provides for group insurance.  Cecil Williams is president of the firm, Marion Williams is vice president and Clyde Tucker is secretary-treasurer.

D. Cecil Williams has been influential in Garland civic affairs for many years.  A charter member of Rotary Club, he is a former mayor and a former member of the city council.  He is a director of the First National Bank, a director of the Federal Savings Loan Association and has also served as a member of the school board.