Freestone County, Texas
Obituaries


DR. CARL ED WILLIFORD

Funeral services were held last Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church 
in Mexia for Dr. Carl Ed Williford, 86, who died Nov. 8 in his home town of 
Mexia.

Interment followed at the Mexia Cemetery.

Williford was born December 23, 1923 in Fairfield to Carl Neil and Jean (Devoe) 
Williford.

A 1941 graduate of Fairfield high school, he attended the University of Texas 
for three semesters, then served as a U.S. Marine for four and a half years as 
an aviator and then was honorably dischared with the rank of captain.

After World War II, he attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, where he 
graduated in 1948 and Southwestern Medical School in 1952.

He served his internship at the Massachusetts Memorial Hospital in Boston in 
1952 and 1953 followed by two years of surgery residency at Baylor Hospital in 
Dallas before moving to Mexia in 1955.

Dr. Williford, who retired as a fulltime physician on Feb. 12, 1987, was a 
partner of fellow physician Dr. C. C. Edgar, in operation of the 
Christoffer/Edgar Hospital on East Commerce.

In 1961, Williford and Edgar spearheaded a campaign to “get everybody together,” 
Dr. Williford said. This was to start a drive to get a new hospital built. 
With the help of many others, Mexia now has the latest in medical technology.

He also served as president of the Mexia Rotary Club, president of Mexia Youth 
Recreation Association and was a member of the chamber of commerce.

In 1959, he was named as outstanding young man of Mexia and served a stint as 
City of Mexia Health Officer.

Dr. Williford was a member of the Official Board at FUMC and chairman of the 
church’s building committee.

A former president of the Limestone County Medical Society, he was affiliated 
with the Texas Medical Association and the American Medical Association.

He was Chief of Staff at General Mexia Hospital, served as Medical Consultant 
for the local rehabilitation commission and was on the courtesy teaching staff 
of the Texas Medical Branch in Houston.

In 1968, he was elected to the school board on which he served at least 14 
years, a portion of that time spent as president and also served as the team 
physician on the sidelines of Black Cat football before the days of official 
athletic trainers.

Dr. Williford served as Christmas Parade Marshall in 1994, and also during the 
1990s he was honored by the Mexia chamber of commerce as Citizen of the Year.

He also served as a committee member for the Boy Scouts.

Dr. Williford was preceded in death by his parents, wife Jean (Arnold) 
Williford, grandson Chris Williford, brother Graham Williford, and sister 
Harriett Williford Whatley.

He is survived by his children Karen Micheletti and husband Charlie of 
Fairfield, Carl A. (Buddy) Williford and wife Donna of Mexia, and Glen Williford 
and wife Cindy of Mexia; grandchildren Carrie Harren and husband Mark of Snook, 
Kevin Micheletti and wife Nadia of Abernathy, Brandi Ellis, Sheila Wallitsch 
and husband Chris, Clint Williford and wife Amber, Lou Ann Williford, Kay 
Williford, all of Mexia, and Jean Williford of San Marcos; and 12 great-
grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Mark Herren, Chris Wallitsch, Chris Rowland, Clint Williford, 
Kevin Micheletti, and Trey Fulmer.

Honorary Pallbearers were Jack Forrest, Holloway Martin, Rick Sadler, and 
Charles (Soap) Osborn.

Officiating services was the Rev. Brad Brittain.

Making arrangements was Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home in Mexia.

Memorials can be made to the Chris Williford Scholarship Fund c/o Edward D. 
Jones, 505 E Milam, Mexia, TX 76667.