Ben Louis Williams

Ben Louis Williams was born into this world on November 6, 1950, to the union of Limon Louis and Rosie Lee McCoy Williams. His parents knew right away that Ben would leave indelible impressions in the hearts of those who would meet him. Ben confessed his faith in Christ at a tender age and united with Mt. Friendship Baptist Church in Curtis, Arkansas. He was a 1968 graduate of Peake High School and attended Henderson State University. Ben grew up to be a handsome and intelligent young man. On May 4, 1971, he enlisted in the United States Army having served until May 20, 1974. After an honorable discharge from the Army Ben decided to go into business for himself. With his savings from the military he purchased a few saws and some equipment and started what is now the Ben L. Williams Logging Company which has been in operation for over 20 years. He created numerous jobs and taught a lot of “young men” how to be a man. There was always room on his crew. He met Chinetha Penny and after a brief courtship they married on June 17, 1995. He worked hard and made many sacrifices to take care of his family. Ben was a big man in stature and a big man in heart. He loved to meet people and always rolled out the red carpet. He was a member of the Soul Stars Motorcycle Club. Ben had a great sense of humor and there was never a dull moment when he was around. He was preceded in transition by his doting parents, Limon L. Williams and Rosie Lee McClenton(2008); and sister Mary J. Williams Bunting Garner(2000). On Thursday, July 18, 2013; in his 62nd season of life he began his eternal celebration in a land that shall never grow old. He leaves to forever remember his legacy: his wife, Chinetha; four children, Terease (Joseph) Hall of Hot Springs, Jeffrey L. (Wendy) Williams of Perry, GA, LaTonya Williams-Brooks of Little Rock, Desiree Thompson of Memphis, TN and a son he cherished as his own, Decari Keith of Camden; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; seven sisters, Rosetta Gordon (Sam Pitts) of Hot Springs, Judieth Steinman of Flint, MI, Cora Williams Jones of Hot Springs; Mattie (Jimmy) Matlock who was raised like a sister of Hot Springs, AR; Linnal Joyner of Little Rock, Mozell Dangerfield of Arkadelphia, Flozell Belvin of Arkadelphia, and Fayerene Ellison of Hot Springs; two brothers, Willie J. (Janice) McCoy of Hot Springs and John Henry (Brenda K.) Williams of Hot Springs; his mother-in-law, Ola Mae Russey of Chidester; one uncle, Donald Ray Whitfiled of St. Louis, MO; several nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, countless friends and the Ben L. Williams Logging Crew. Public visitation will be from 12 noon until 7:00 pm on Friday, July 26th at the funeral home. The family will receive friends from 6-7 pm. The final tribute to his life will be shared at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 27th at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Chidester, Arkansas. Presiding Elder Rev. Marilyn N. Lightner-Brigss will officiate. Interment will be in Piney Grove Cemetery in Arkadelphia with Military Honors. Click Video Tribute to watch video.