Brady Butane was incorporated in 1946 in Brady, Texas. Jean F. Williams and Ross Huffman bought the business in 1948. Jean bought out his partner in 1963 and the business has been operated by the Williams family ever since.

Jean came to Brady from South Carolina in the early 40s as a flight instructor at Curtis airfield. There he met his wife, Betty, who was a home town girl. They married and had three children, Betzy, James Allen, and Courtney. Jean has continued to hold his flight instructors rating for all these years. Jean turned 86 years young in January of 2006.

Brady Butane Co. has operated out of three locations during is existence. They have been at their current location, 1907 S. Bridge St. since 1957.

In April 1976 Jean’s oldest son James moved back to Brady to work with his father and assume the position of manager of Brady Butane Co. With this move Jean was able to spend more time on his passion in life, flying. Jean has also operated Williams Flying Service all these years. With this side line business he did aerial photo work for the ASCS, USDA, for 19 years, as well as a flight instructor for pilot training. Jean has also been the national weather observer for over 30 years.

Over the years the business has expanded to include everything from Propane to a “General Store” type of business. They sell Plumbing and Electrical Supplies, General Hardware, Boy Scout supplies custom hydraulic hoses welding supplies and welding gases, RV supplies and well as a new and growing rental department (trenchers, skidloaders, jack hammers, hand tools, etc.). In 2004, Brady Butane Co. became a dealer for Hustler Turf Equipment. We now sell and service "Zero Turn" lawn mowers.

During the years of serving the people of this community both Jean and James have been active in many activities including, Chamber of Commerce, Brady Kiwanis Club, Brady Jr. Rodeo Assoc., McCulloch County Jr. Livestock Show, Crime Stoppers, United Way, and various church activities. Jean and James have both served several terms on the Texas Propane Gas Associations Board of Directors and are members of the National Propane Gas Association.