Crystal Williams Is In The Volunteer Spotlight. When it comes to community involvement, there are a few key businesses who stand out. For over 45 years, McWilliams & Son Heating & Air Conditioning has been one of these key businesses. For our volunteer spotlight, this commitment to the community has become a family legacy. Crystal Williams joined the family business two years ago as their Business Development Specialist and hasn’t looked back.
As a Diboll native, Crystal has deep roots in our community and throughout Angelina County. After graduating from Diboll High School, she attended Stephen F. Austin State University where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications.
As a local family business, McWilliams & Son has a mission of embracing the community as one of their pillars. With this in mind, Crystal helps coordinate volunteer opportunities for the business and their employees to give back to the community keeping their skills and gifts in mind. One of their favorite volunteer opportunities is through Habitat for Humanity of Angelina County. “We support them by providing the labor and materials for the installation of energy efficient equipment in the new homes for deserving families. Our install team loves to install these, because they know they are using their talents for a greater good!”
Individually, Crystal is involved in a wide variety of civic organizations and volunteer groups throughout Angelina County. She is currently the Chairman for Angelina Beautiful/Clean board in Lufkin, the Chair elect for Junior Achievement of Angelina County, serves on the budget committee for United Way, Board member of The T.L.L. Temple Memorial Library in Diboll, Board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Diboll, Vice President of the Diboll ISD PTSA, and she is member of the Angelina Rotary Club here in Lufkin.
As a member of so many groups, it can be difficult to find time to fit it all in, but Crystal is lucky to have the support of her family as she gives back. “Thankfully, McWilliams Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing has a mission of embracing the community as one of our pillars. They are very understanding of the time that I dedicate to the organization, and I do everything that I can to balance my work duties and my volunteer schedule. I have a sweet, supportive husband, Ray Jr. and two little boys, Ray and Carter, that love to be out and about in the community too. If it wasn’t for my awesome work family and my supportive family at home, my level of participation in these organizations would be almost impossible!”
Her advice to those looking to volunteer? “Look at your talents. Look at your strengths. Self-reflect on what you’re good at and what you’re passionate about. Once you identify those things, research what agencies and community organizations are searching for that! Pick an organization that you relate to and get in the trenches with them. I promise you won’t regret it.”
When she’s not volunteering, Crystal likes to hang out with friends and family. Whether it’s around a campfire or around a big dinner table, she values laughing and smiling with those closest to her. “My close friends and family are my secret weapons. Whenever I have an issue, I know just what friend to call for a pick-me-up. Whenever I’m heartbroken, disappointed or worried, I know my mom and sister’s phone numbers by heart.”
Crystal and her husband, Ray Jr., have been married for 10 years, and together they have two wonderful sons; Ray, 10, and Carter, 7. When asked why she volunteers, Crystal said simply, “The Lord has blessed us all with different talents and abilities, and I want to use my talents for the betterment of our community. Every single person I know has something they could offer that would greatly benefit an organization in our community. Also, I feel that volunteering teaches my children to put others before themselves, to seek others that need help, and to use their talents to bless other families and people in our community.”
