Forty Years, Five Months and Two Days of Love and Joy

Drue Knox Williams was born June 23, 1959. He died November 25, 1999.

Throughout his lifetime, this much-loved, always smiling son of Knox and June Williams brightened the lives of many. Drue’s friendship with a foreign exchange student led her to become an international advocate honored with a British OBE for championing people with developmental disabilities such as his.

Knox is the genius behind the humorous Highway 78 signs atop Rayne Water Conditioning, a family company for which he still serves as “sign man.” During a famous fad, “Streakers repent: Your end is in sight!” cracked up motorists. “All in favor of saving gas raise your right foot!”has made thousands smile.

Smiles were hard to come by when Knox and June learned Drue was dying. “The doctor said we should call hospice. I asked if it was really time,” recalls June wistfully. It would be only one month until the end.

HNC enabled Drue to spend his last days where he felt most comfortable: his lifelong home. His beautiful smile lives on in his parents’ hearts, as does their gratitude.

June says, “Every year, we donate to HNC. His memory tile resides in the HNC garden. It’s one more remembrance of our son.”

With his arm planted firmly around his wife, the ever-witty Knox becomes suddenly serious.

“Our gifts to HNC are modest. Drue’s gift to us was forty years, five months and two days of love and joy.”