Elizabeth P & Harold R Williams Foundation
The Elizabeth P. & Harold R. Williams Foundation was created to memorialize the lives of Mr. Harold R. Williams ’51 and his wife, Elizabeth. Harold entered college at Indiana University but with the start of World War II, he was drafted to serve in the Army and stationed in Panama for three years. After his service, he moved to Lubbock to enroll and graduate from Texas Tech University with a degree in Economics. A job with the IRS brought him to Houston at which time he pursued a law degree at South Texas College of Law, graduating in 1951. It was after this he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Parker, registered dental hygienist who later graduated from the University of Houston; they were happily married in 1955. During their lifetime, they founded a company: Houston Transformer Co. for which Mrs. Williams served as president. The Williams were very involved in the community and were active with their church. Since the Williams had no children of their own, Mr. Williams, as survivor made a provision in his will to establish this charitable foundation upon his death.
The original board members of the foundation were Mr. Williams’ nephew James E. “Jack” Miles, president, his niece Diana C. Miles, Mr. Williams’s attorney Rodney C. Koenig and his attorney, the late Lawrence C. “Larry” Hoff, Jr. ‘61, also a professional colleague and good friend of Harold Williams. When Mr. Hoff passed away, his widow, Florence Hoff became a part of the board as did CPA Marvin L. Mohn. Mr. Koenig continues to serve as the board’s advisor and secretary.
Jack Miles attended Texas Tech University and graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Marketing and Sales. He was in the US Navy, primarily serving aboard the USS Canberra, a guided missile cruiser. Diana Miles also served in the US Navy and retired as a Lt. Commander. Jack was formerly President of Houston Transformer and now serves as Managing Partner/Director. His granddaughter, Sara Blair, is now President of the company. Rod attended University of Texas as an undergraduate and in Law School. Rod served on the USS Braine, a destroyer, as bridge officer and as Chief Engineer during the Vietnam War.
The Elizabeth P. and Harold R. Williams Foundation’s legacy of generosity continues and stems from the collaboration of these upstanding individuals and their will to make a positive impact in society. With this purpose they were proud to establish this scholarship at South Texas College of Law.