Last night, we gathered with Coach Lawrence "Bubba" Williams’ family, friends, and community members to officially dedicate the Lawrence "Bubba" Williams Baseball Complex in his honor.Coach Williams’ impact on Pecos athletics and education spans over three decades, shaping generations of Eagles both on and off the field. His legacy of leadership, passion, and dedication will forever be felt at this ballpark and throughout PBTISD.
Read the speech from the event below:
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, family, friends, and members of the PBTISD community.
Today, we celebrate the life, legacy, and impact of a man who truly embodies what it means to be a Pecos Eagle. It is with great honor that we dedicate this facility as the Lawrence "Bubba" Williams Baseball Complex. In this place, future generations of athletes will train, compete, and build lifelong memories, just as Coach Williams did.
On the field at home plate, Coach Bubba Williams's wife, Laverne, his children, Lori and Lawrence Jr., and their families are here to represent Coach Williams. Joining the family are our PBTISD Athletic Director Mike Peters, and our Superintendent, Brent Jaco.
Born and raised here in Pecos, Texas, Bubba Williams was more than just a coach, teacher, and leader—he was a mentor, a friend, and a pillar of our community. He was a proud graduate of Pecos High School, where he first developed his deep love for sports, a love that would guide him throughout his life. He continued his baseball career at Ranger Junior College before transferring to Sul Ross State University, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees.
In 1972, Bubba returned home to Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD, where he dedicated over three decades of his life—31 years—to shaping young minds and inspiring student-athletes. He taught Health & Physical Education, coached basketball, baseball, and football, and served PBTISD as its first Athletic Director.
But his work didn’t stop when he retired in 2003. His passion for education and athletics continued as he served on the PBTISD School Board, ensuring that future generations had the same opportunities he cherished. He was a true servant leader, always putting students and his community first.
Coach Williams bled purple and gold. There was no doubt about that. Whether he was coaching on the sidelines, cheering in the stands, or simply watching his kids, grandkids, and friends play, his love for Pecos Eagle sports never wavered. He took pride in every athlete who wore the uniform and believed in the power of sports to shape character, discipline, and lifelong success.
Beyond athletics, Bubba was a man of great spirit and joy. He loved to play dominoes, bingo, and spades—and if music played, you could bet he’d be the first one dancing. His infectious smile, impeccable style, and warm personality made him a friend to all—because Coach Williams never met a stranger.
He was a devoted husband to his beloved Laverne Knox Williams, with whom he shared 52 wonderful years. He was also a proud father to twins Lori and Lawrence Jr., who followed in their parents’ footsteps as educators and coaches.
Coach Williams loved Pecos, Texas. And Pecos loved him right back.
Today, as we dedicate the Lawrence "Bubba" Williams Baseball Complex, we are not just naming a facility. We are honoring a legacy. We are ensuring that every athlete who steps onto this field knows the name and story of a man who dedicated his life to this town, this district, and the young men and women who carried the spirit of the Pecos Eagles forward.
May this baseball complex stand as a reminder of his passion, leadership, and love for the game. May every crack of the bat, every cheer from the stands, and every young athlete who steps up to the plate carry forward his legacy of excellence, integrity, and heart.
The dedication plaque you see at home plate will be placed at the entrance to the baseball field house. It reads - Lawrence "Bubba" Williams, a Pecos native, devoted over three decades to Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD, serving as a teacher, coach, and athletic director from 1972 until his retirement in 2003. A proud Pecos High School alum, he played baseball at Ranger Junior College and earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Sul Ross State University. Even after retirement, he continued his dedication to the community as a member of the PBTISD school board. Bubba embodied the true spirit of an Eagle—loyal, passionate, and deeply committed to the success of his students, athletes, and Pecos community. His legacy is one of leadership, excellence, and an unwavering love for the Pecos Eagles.
Now, at this time, we ask a family member to walk to the mound and deliver the first pitch of the 2025 Baseball season in the newly dedicated Lawrence “Bubba” Williams Baseball Complex.
{After the pitch} Let’s give Coach Williams and his family another round of applause.
As a reminder, the concession stand is offering free hot dogs as we celebrate the dedication of this beautiful complex!