Attorney Connie B. Williams' Obituary
"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16
Attorney Connie B. Williams entered into eternal rest on December 30, 2024.
His life and legacy will be celebrated on Saturday, January 11, 2025, 11 AM at The Community Collective, 12401 South Post Oak Blvd., 77045.
In lieu of flowers and remembrance of Connie, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to the 'Connie B. Williams Scholarship Fund' at The Imani School.
Online donations can be made via www.imanischool.org, or checks payable to The Imani School can be mailed to:
The Imani School
Attn: Advancement Office
12401 S. Post Oak Road
Houston, TX 77045
Connie Brown “Chip” Williams was born on July 1, 1945, in Brenham, Texas, the youngest of two sons raised in a devoutly Christian home by his loving parents, Weldon C. and Josie Brown Williams.
From an early age, Connie’s life was deeply rooted in faith and community. Baptized at a young age, he became an active member of Main Street Missionary Baptist Church in Brenham. He later united with Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston.
Connie was both an athlete and a scholar. After graduating as salutatorian from Pickard High School in 1963, his academic achievements earned him scholarships to both the United States Naval Academy and Howard University. Choosing to attend Howard University, the prestigious historically Black university in Washington, D.C., Connie flourished. He became a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men, and joined the ROTC program, preparing for a future of leadership and service.
In 1968, Connie graduated from Howard University with a bachelor’s degree in economics and began his military career as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. He was initially stationed at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, before being deployed to Vietnam. While serving in Vietnam, Connie distinguished himself with extraordinary courage and dedication, earning the prestigious Silver Star "for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam." This honor stands as a testament to his bravery and selfless service to his country.
Connie’s love story with Patricia Ann Hogan began long before they realized it. The children of best friends Weldon “Mott” and Josie Williams and Booker and Gladys Hogan, Connie and Patricia grew up together. However, in the summer of 1962, Patricia noticed that “Chip was kinda cute!” Connie, an avid fisherman, inspired Patricia to develop a sudden “deep love of fishing” until she finally caught him! That marked the beginning of a love that lasted 63 years.
Connie and Patricia were married on October 20, 1967, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and faith. Their union was blessed with three sons: Connie Brian, Benjamin, and Christopher.
After being honorably discharged from the Army, Connie and Patricia moved to Houston, where he enrolled at the University of Houston Law Center. Determined to provide for his family, Connie attended law school during the day and worked nights at the Houston Police Station. Upon earning his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree, he was admitted to the Texas Bar and began his legal career as a Harris County Assistant District Attorney.
Connie’s dedication and skill led him to serve as Executive Assistant to former Houston Mayor Jim McConn. In 1982, he established his own private law practice, becoming a trusted advocate and voice for justice.
In 1993, Connie broke barriers when he became the first African American—and the first member of any racial minority group—to serve on the Harris County Sheriff's Department's three-member Civil Service Commission. His service was a testament to his commitment to fairness, equity, and community leadership.
In a Houston Chronicle poll, 137 Harris County judges and prosecutors ranked Connie among the top defense attorneys in the county, rating him as the sixth-best out of more than 26,000 practicing attorneys. Clients praised him for achieving the best possible outcomes, even in challenging situations, whether securing dismissals, reducing penalties, or obtaining probation. Connie was seen to be a hero in the eyes of his clients.
Connie’s legal expertise was matched by his kindness, professionalism, and down-to-earth nature. Clients lauded him as not only a skilled attorney but also a good person, who treats everyone with equality and respect. In 2018, he received the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting tribute to his decades of excellence and service.
But for all his accolades and accomplishments, Connie’s greatest happiness came from his family. A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and cousin, Connie cherished the time he spent with his loved ones and the memories they created together.
On December 30, 2024, Connie made his earthly transition, leaving a legacy of love, service, and excellence. He was preceded in death by his parents, Weldon C. and Josie Williams, and his brother, Weldon C. “Donnie” Williams.
He leaves to treasure his memory his loving wife of 57 years, Patricia Hogan Williams; his beloved sons, Connie Brian Williams, Benjamin Jason Williams (Shawn), and Christopher Errol Williams (Vanessa); his grandchildren, Skylar Zei Williams, Karlyn Rayne Williams, Tracy Christopher Williams, Daylen Hogan Williams, and Alessandra Josephine Williams; his sister-in-law, Mildred Hogan Lord; special friends, Dr. Elgin and Carolyn Wells; and many devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Connie Brown “Chip” Williams will be remembered not only for his remarkable achievements but for his kindness, integrity, and the love he shared with everyone whose lives he touched. He will be deeply missed.
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