When asked about the future, 77-year-old Honorable Williams eagerly voices his excitement for the expansion taking place at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital. The larger Emergency Department will have 63 exam rooms and grow patient capacity by 40 percent once renovations are completed this summer.

“I am looking forward to the future for that new wing they are building, and how exciting it is going to be for the hospital to meet the growing needs of patients at the facility,” he says.

Mr. Williams is a Building Maintenance Specialist who spends much of his time around Clements University Hospital. His primary responsibilities include working on the nurse call systems found in each hospital room, the tube system, and the linen chutes. He also provides other preventive maintenance and repair for equipment like hospital beds.

Oftentimes, creativity is at the forefront of hands-on work. Mr. Williams says he has plenty of moments when he needs to take an unconventional approach or adapt in order to temporarily solve a problem until the right part or tool is obtained by the Hospital Facilities Maintenance Division.

Although he has established a four-decade career with UT Southwestern, he does not consider what he does a job. Mr. Williams has developed a connection to the institution that goes beyond just clocking in and out each day.

“Choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life,” he says. “I find a way to have a joyous day even on difficult days.”

Mr. Williams gave comments similar to those he made five years ago about retirement, saying he would probably retire soon. But the problem is he keeps putting it off – because he loves his job so much. He attributes part of his passion for his position to those who surround him.

“We have a lot of fun and there is never a dull moment in our department,” he says. “The staff energizes me.”

Mr. Williams’ colleagues ensured he had a lively birthday celebration in February that was complete with cake, gifts, and a pushup challenge to show off his strength.

Overall, he is skilled in a wide range of repairs and is very easygoing. He finds projects for himself at home as a form of relaxation. After work, his evenings are usually spent doing two things: reading Scripture and restoring classic vehicles to their former glory. His current project is a 1966 Chevrolet Nova.