Michael Lee “Cowboy” Williams, age 68, born on May 8, 1946, in Bogalusa, departed this world on Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at his residence in Bogalusa.

Cowboy was a colorful character and led a colorful life. He had a variety of interests. He was a United States veteran and served in Vietnam. He was a chef, truck driver, avid horseman and die-hard Saints fan. Up to his death, he still could not believe the Saints traded Jimmy Graham and Darren Sproles!

Cowboy never met a stranger and was a friend to most everyone he met. He will be sadly missed by many friends and relatives. He will be remembered for his everlasting and memorable personality as he was often considered the “Life of the Party”.

Cowboy was preceded in death by his parents, Mack Murray Williams and Ruby Aultman Williams; one brother, Gerry Wayne Williams; and life-long partner, Shirley Ann Wells.

He is survived by three daughters, Michelle Lynne (John) Eckert of Pine Bluff, Ark., Rubby Marie (Bill) Douglas of Walker, La., and Liz Mizell of Bogalusa; one son, Mack Benjamin Williams of Walker; one stepdaughter, Stacey Mizell of Bogalusa; one stepson, Jeff (Angela) Penton of Bush; one sister, Maxine Taylor of Butte, Mont.; one brother, Charles Ray Williams of Bogalusa; two grandchildren, Catherine Janie Douglas and Kinsley Malea Rushing; and four stepgrandchildren, Sandra Jones, Kenneth Penton, Eric Penton and Heather Penton.

Visitation will be held at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home on Saturday, March 28, 2015, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The funeral services will be held at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home Chapel at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Larry Lassley officiating. Interment will follow at Pounds Cemetery, with Military Graveside Services by the Magic City American Legion Post No. 24.

To view and sign the register book online, visit pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.