Campus Life

Alumni Center Namesake Clayton Williams ’54 Dies

The Texas oilman and generous supporter of Texas A&M passed away in Midland on Feb. 14.
By Caitlin Shields '11, The Association of Former Students February 17, 2020

Clayton W. Williams in Cowboy hat siting for portrait
Clayton W. Williams, Jr. ’54

Clayton W. Williams, Jr. ’54, for whom the Texas A&M Alumni Center is named, passed away last Friday Feb. 14 at the age of 88.

The Texas oilman and generous supporter of Texas A&M provided millions to the university through The Association of Former Students, 12th Man Foundation and Texas A&M Foundation, including the lead gift in 1985 toward the construction of the Alumni Center.

Porter S. Garner III ’79, president and CEO of The Association, described Williams as a loyal and enthusiastic Aggie.

“Claytie was a great Aggie and a loyal friend. I will always remember his genuine emotion for Texas A&M and his fellow Aggies,” Garner said. “He was one of a kind and always wanted the best for Texas A&M.  I was continually inspired by his support and dedication to The Association of Former Students and to me personally.”

Texas A&M and The Association presented Williams with the Distinguished Alumnus Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a Texas A&M former student in 1981. The Association also presented him a Core Values Coin, a small, rare gift to recognize Aggies who live and reflect the core values of Texas A&M.

In sharing news of Williams’ passing with The Association, his nephew Clay Pollard ’81 said, “Claytie loved A&M and Aggies with a deep passion, and they loved him back.”

Read more about his life and his impact on Texas A&M.

Media contact: Kathyrn Greenwade ’88, 979-845-7514, kgreenwade88@aggienetwork.com.

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