Deacon Arthur R. Williams, Sr.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. Psalms 133:1

Deacon Arthur R. Williams, of Arkadelphia, AR, slipped into eternal rest on Friday, September 15, 2017, at Courtyard Gardens Rehabilitation Center in Arkadelphia. He was in his 95th season of life. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

His Life- On November 22, 1921, Abe and Tiny Williams were blessed with the arrival of a very handsome son, Arthur Reever Williams, Sr. He was born in the county of Clark and the state of Arkansas. Arthur developed into a man of wisdom, determination, and endurance.

Arthur attended school at Williams School in the Manchester Community and Peake High School in Arkadelphia. He was drafted in the United States Army in the year of 1942 serving with the 761st Tank Battalion during WWII under the leadership of General George Patton. He traveled extensively while training and serving his country to New York, Europe, England, France, and Germany. He often shared many stories about his war experiences serving our country. Mr. Williams was wounded while serving in the army but he continued to fulfill his duties and obligations with much zeal and determination. He was awarded many distinguished medals for his heroic actions and service for the US Army such as The Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African, Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button respectively. He was honorably discharged from the army on December 13, 1945.
Deacon Williams was united in marriage to Dorothy Stewart and to this union four children were born. After her demise, he was united in holy matrimony to Bobbie Jean Hill Brown on June 5, 1954, in Arkadelphia, AR. His loving and devoted wife and mother of his eight children, Bobbie Williams transitioned on June 1, 2006.

Deacon Williams spent many years planting gardens and shared the produce with neighbors in his community. He also raised cattle which he enjoyed very much. He was certainly a fine example of kindness and generosity. He was well known for providing transportation for many people to various destinations such as doctor's appointments, church, grocery stores and other places they needed to go. He also spent his time helping to build. Deacon Williams was a great example of a wonderful father, husband, and counselor.

Mr. Williams was employed by the Arkadelphia Public Schools as a Building Caretaker and Mail Distributor at Central Primary School in Arkadelphia. He was well loved and respected by the principals, school district superintendent, and staff.

Deacon Williams was very concerned about the success of his children and encouraged them continuously to further their education, to be independent, to set and accomplish goals.

His Ministry- Brother Williams was saved at a very early age and filled with the baptism of the Holy Ghost under the ministry of Elder Andrew Tate. He enjoyed worshipping and praising God in his own special way.

Deacon Williams began his spiritual journey and service to God while attending the Manchester C.O.G.I.C where he served as a Deacon, Y.P.W.W. President, Trustee and he also served on the finance staff.

He was often referred to as "the boot-legged" preacher because he would deliver sermonettes near the offering table when giving offertory expressions.

Deacon Williams later united with the New Hope C.O.G.I.C where he served faithfully as a deacon and chairman of the finance committee under the leadership of the late Elder G.C. Nolen.

A few years later, he united with the Tate Temple C.O.G.I.C serving under the leadership of his son, District Superintendent, LeRoy Williams. He attended services very faithfully until his health began to fail.

His Family- He was preceded in death by; one son, Arthur Williams, Jr., two daughters, Dorothy Macon and Debra Flournoy; three brothers, Zachary Williams, Alfonzo Williams and Sidney Williams; one sister, Geneva White, two son-in-laws, Mack Harris, and Clint Hutcherson; one daughter-in-law, Annie Williams and three great-grandchildren. Those who will be profoundly deprived of his wisdom, strength, and determination include his four sons: District Superintendent LeRoy Williams (Deloris), Kenneth Williams, Donald Williams, and Barry Williams all of Arkadelphia, AR; seven daughters, Dorothy Hutcherson of Malvern, AR, Velma Lowery (Albert) of Pine Bluff, AR, Queen Allen of Little Rock, AR, Marilyn Harris of Plano, TX, Jacqueline Wright (Phillip) of Arkadelphia, AR, Audrey Rankin of Little Rock, AR and Doris Williams of Arkadelphia, AR; adopted daughter, Patsy Hale (Michael); one brother, Paul Williams of Arkadelphia, AR; a special friend, Carl Daniels; special cousins, Ethel Williams and Evelyn Browning. Mr. Williams was blessed to have 37 grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren. He was also loved by two son-in-laws, Roy Macon (Margaret) and Ronald Flournoy (Glenda) five daughter-in-laws, Felisha Williams, Dr. Rosalin Growe, Antonia Williams, Shelia Taylor, and Brenda Graham (Gleeny) and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, Tate Temple Church Family and many friends who will always cherish his memory.

Services are under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home in Arkadelphia, AR. Visitation will be at Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, September 22, 2017, from 11:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The family will receive friends and extended family at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church for family hour on Friday from 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be on Saturday, September 23, 2017, at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. with Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr. as host pastor, Elder James Sanders as officiant, and Bishop Frank Anderson, Jr. as eulogist. Burial will be in Piney Grove Cemetery.

The family will receive friends and extended family at this time to watch the Memorial DVD and share memories and milestones of the life of Deacon Williams.

Burial will be at Piney Grove Cemetery in Arkadelphia.

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