In Memoriam: George Williams, MD
George W. Williams, II, MD, professor in the Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, died Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. He was 45.
A beloved critical care anesthesiologist and a nationally recognized leader in anesthesiology, Williams served as the vice chair for Critical Care Medicine and as division chief of Critical Care in the Department of Anesthesiology.
Williams was deeply engaged in organized medicine and dedicated years of service to local, state, and national societies. He held many leadership positions within the Harris County Medical Society, including Central Branch president and served on both the board of directors and on the board of ethics.
He was equally as influential on the state level, where he was serving as president of the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists. In addition to his role as president, Williams held leadership roles as treasurer and vice chair and was responsible for authoring and passing a multitude of resolutions including creating the TSA Advocacy rotation for Texas anesthesiology residents and creating the Texas Journal of Anesthesiology.
He also served as a delegate to the House of Delegates with the Texas Medical Association. Nationally, Williams held fellowship status in multiple prestigious societies, including the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the American College of Chest Physicians, and the Society of Critical Care Medicine.
His career was marked by a steady stream of honors that reflected both clinical excellence and his deep commitment to education. Early recognition came with research and specialty awards, including the Dean H. Morrow Award for Excellence in Obstetric Anesthesiology, the Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award, the Pivalizza Outstanding Clinical Instructor Award, and the Attending Physicians Instructor of the Year.
He was repeatedly named among Houston’s Top Doctors by Houstonia Magazine and was recognized as a Texas Rising Star and Texas Super Doctor. In 2020, Williams received the Distinguished Educator in Anesthesiology Award, jointly given by the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Society for Education in Anesthesia.
At McGovern Medical School, Williams was inducted into the Academy of Master Educators and earned the inaugural Annual Excellence in Anesthesia Award.
Williams earned his Doctor of Medicine from Baylor College of Medicine in 2005 before completing his residency in anesthesiology from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in 2009. He completed a fellowship in critical care medicine the following year from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Williams joined the faculty at McGovern Medical School in 2010.
“George was a role model of a physician-scientist, clinician, and educators in our department,” said Holger K. Eltzschig, MD, PhD, John P. and Katherine G. McGovern Distinguished University Chair in the Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine. “He cared deeply for his patients and provided them and their families with the most outstanding and compassionate care, whether attending to them in the operating room or the intensive care unit. He was a brilliant educator and mentor, instrumental in shaping the careers of numerous students, residents, fellows, and faculty members in our department and beyond. His clinical and translational research, as well as his educational writing, have impacted the way we deliver critical care medicine to surgical patients.
“But most importantly, George was the most beloved faculty member and friend we could imagine,” Eltzschig continued. “His optimism, kindness, humor, and compassion made him a true gift to others and had a profound impact on our lives in numerous ways that are hard to put into words. We are mourning together with George’s family, particularly with his wife, Erin, and their children Eden, Emeri, and Gabriel, whom he has left behind.”
Akshay Chaku, MD, assistant professor of anesthesiology, reflected on the profound impact that Williams had on his life and career, praising his compassion, guidance, and selflessness.
“He was just unbelievable — a kind, intelligent, compassionate, hard-working man, who was an excellent husband and father. He was someone that I felt extremely fortunate to have been able to look up to.
“I dealt with some very challenging personal circumstances during my time at UTHealth, and Dr. Williams was immediately always so kind and did whatever he had to in order to help me out. His kindness and love for those around him knew no bounds, and I know every single person who has been lucky enough to be impacted by him is better off for it. Seeing how he lived his life influenced me to become a more selfless person and prioritize meaningful connections with the people in my life.”
Omonele Nwokolo, MD, professor of anesthesiology, shared a heartfelt tribute to Williams, recalling their friendship and his unwavering devotion to those he loved.
“George was my ‘brother.’ That is what he called my late husband, his brother and me his sister,” Nwokolo reflected. “I have known George and Erin for over 20 years since medical school. George was a delight, a breath of fresh air, and the epitome of a Christlike, Godly man. Even while he was weak and wanted his privacy, my husband’s death brought him out to the funeral where his privacy was now exposed. I tried to convince him not to come, he later told me, if he had to be wheeled over, he was going to be there for his friend. That is who George was. It crushes me that Erin has to go through this. It is truly not fair, and I will miss my dear brother.”
Rhashedah Ekeoduru, MD, professor of anesthesiology, reflected on the decades of mentorship, leadership, and unwavering support from Williams, describing him as both a personal inspiration and a lasting pillar in the medical community.
“I have been friends with Dr. George Williams for 30 years. We met my freshman year at the Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions. Later he served as a valuable mentor when I chose anesthesia as a career during my fourth year at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine. George was chief resident there and an absolute rockstar. Many years later, George recruited me to UTHealth Houston, which I have called home for the last 12 years. George has nurtured my progress at UTHealth Houston and helped to ensure my promotions to associate professor and now full professor.
“14 years of mentorship. My favorite mentor. My heart is broken. You were so much to many of us. A physician, a family man, a Christian, a rock, a pillar. To say you will be missed, feels hollow. I am utterly shocked and deeply pained. Your legacy will live on forever, because your impact is powerful and everlasting. We, your mentees, friends, and colleagues will love you forever.”
Kelli Wallen, MPH, director of Management Operations in the Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, remembered Williams as a source for comfort and kindness, whose simple gestures carried profound meaning for those around him.
“He was such a beautiful light in this world. There were many times that I was in a really dark place, and I’d pass him in the hallway, and he’d just say hello and put his hand on my shoulder. I’d instantly feel better. He was such a gift to others. I don’t know if he ever realized that.”
Sara Guzman-Reyes, MD, professor of anesthesiology, remembered Williams as a man whose faith, compassion, and dedication defined both his professional excellence and his devotion to family, leaving behind a legacy of grace and purpose.
“Dr. George Williams was a man of unwavering faith, deep compassion, and an energetic personality. As the Critical Care division chief at UTHealth Houston, he was a brilliant physician, a gifted mentor, and a trusted friend. However, his most extraordinary roles were at home — as a devoted husband, loving father, and faithful son. His family was his joy, his anchor, and his most significant ministry.
“George lived with intention, guided by three unshakeable priorities: God, family, and work — in that order. He stood for truth, faith, and transparency, inspiring and motivating those around him. Whether he was ministering weekly at his church, mentoring learners, advocating for medicine, or undergoing treatment, George never stopped giving. He was a true ambassador of his faith, his profession, and humanity itself. His smile was genuine, whether directed at the president of the institution or the newest staff member. His life was a testimony to commitment, humility, and grace.
“George showed us that excellence, joy, and kindness are not merely circumstantial — they are choices he made each day. In doing so, he left us a legacy that challenges us to be better, love deeper, and live with purpose. We can all strive to be more like George.”