ONE of nature's gentlemen, nationally-recognised entertainer Tex Williams, has played his last guitar chord.Country singer Williams, aged 81 and larger than life at 195cm, died unexpectedly but peacefully in St John of God Hospital, Ballarat, in the early hours of January 22.For those that knew Williams, there was no finer example of a compassionate and caring human being, a singer only too willing to play for good causes and charity events.For the past 20 years, Williams, who kept company on stage with the likes of Slim Dusty and Reg Lindsey, had been at the centre of an annual charity event at Wentworth near Mildura, called the Tex Williams and Country Music Show. That event has been renamed, with the added word "memorial" to pay homage to one of the Australia's greats in the country music industry.Williams always appreciated what he received as an honorary member of the "life of hard knocks" fraternity.Orphaned early in life, he was originally placed in an orphanage until an aunt gained custody of him.He enlisted at first in the Australian Air Force and then the Royal Australian Navy during World War II by putting his age up from 17.But when the war ended, Williams lead the life of a gypsy, often playing his guitar in front of hotels to get money to eat.He was to become a renowned "horse whisperer", having worked as a ringer on outback stations where he broke in 500 horses.From grading fleeces of sheep to contract fencing and hand-cut posts, Williams owned his own woodyard and also drove thousands of sheep on stock routes around Hay, in southern NSW.A keen Carlton supporter and follower of Australia's national cricket teams, Williams turned his hand to working in vineyards and citrus orchards and to "backyard" mechanics.He had a cabin on Smokey Dawson's property where he kept his big stallion "Captain". He was also proud of the work he did to restore a paddleboat - The Avoca - in Mildura.During his music touring days, he played at many country schools and halls to raise money for the vision impaired.There were many charities that Williams supported as a musician, but above all he was a devoted family man, teaching and encouraging one of his daughters, Donna, to become an accomplished country singer in her own right.Known also as "The Lonesome Yodeller", Williams was anything but lonely, surrounded by his loving family and admired by his legions of fans and friends at the time of his death.Williams is survived by his wife Charlie, daughters, Carol, Suzanne and Donna, seven grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild. The funeral service for Tex Williams will be held at St Alipius Church in Victoria St, Ballarat, from 2pm on Friday, followed by a private family cremation at the Ballarat Crematorium.