Herman Williams, Jr.

For Herman Williams, Jr., being a son, brother, father, grandfather, friend, uncle, patriarch, mentor, neighbor, counselor, confidante, and servant were all honorable callings. Moreover, he was a part of the generation that counted friendship as a virtue. So his golden accomplishment in life was to produce a tapestry of memories for which his family would forever cherish and relish. When Herman was born on February 18, 1948, he was blessed with God fearing parents; Herman, Sr. and Bama Lee Furlow Williams who, by example, taught Christian values, integrity and ingenuity that resulted in a solid and caring family environment. His parents were highly respected among friends and neighbors in Chidester. They taught him “a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” Herman confessed his faith in Christ at a tender age. He grew up to be a handsome and intelligent young man. He was a faithful member of Eastern Star Baptist Church in the Smithton community in Gurdon, Arkansas until his health began to fail. He met the beautiful Ella Anderson and after a brief courtship they married on February 17, 1990 and their union was blessed to have four handsome sons, Anthony, Lamont, Christian and Frederick. He took his role as father seriously. He worked hard and made many sacrifices to take care of his family. His taught his boys to follow the golden rule --" treat others as they would want to be treated”.Herman was not only a father to his children, but he was a father to all. He would offer words of encouragement if he felt the person was in need. He gave his all to helping others by feeding the hungry, loving his neighbors, or providing shelter to those in a time of need. He not only “talked the talk”, he “walked the walk. Herman possessed a strong work ethic and modeled the scripture 2 Thessalonians 3:10 "If anyone doesn't want to work, he shouldn't eat." He was a faithful employee SMI Joist in Hope, Arkansas and worked in the steel industry for 35 years before retiring. His hobbies included watching countless hours of westerns, just having a good time and smoking meat. He had natural born talent when it came to smoking meat; he even built a custom grill for traveling. His reputation for the BBQ and hot water cornbread was known throughout all of southwest Arkansas. He was truly the life of the party. One of his greatest joys was spending memorable moments with relatives and friends, both young and old. His legacy of family togetherness, hospitality and community will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and friends. He possessed a friendly spirit and never met a stranger. He meant what he said, and said what he meant. His natural wit and humor could chase the chill from any room. He preached kindness, respect of self and others. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman, Sr. and Bama Lee Furlow Williams, a son, Anthony Williams; two sisters, Shirley Gilliam and Selma Williams; and a brother, Ronnie Williams. His independent spirit, iron will and strong character will never be duplicated, but leaves an impression on the lives of those he touched and enriched along this life’s journey. He leaves to remember and cherish his moments on earth: his loving wife, Ella Williams of Hope, Arkansas; sons, Lamont (Tasha) Williams of Mesquite, TX, Christian Williams of Hope, AR, and Frederick D. (Ethel) Johnson of Allen, TX; eight grandchildren, Dr. Fredrick (Paula) Johnson, Jr., Eboni Johnson, Dionte Williams, DeMarcus Sanders, Tiarra Sanders, Monte Williams, Shun Williams, and Jayden Williams; four brothers, Lee Herman (Janice) Williams of Camden, AR, Curtis Williams of Hope, AR, Billy (Shirley) Williams of Hope, AR and Calvin (Linda) Williams of Jacksonville, FL; he also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, several cousins and numerous friends. On Saturday, April 9, 2016, he entered into eternal rest. Public visitation will be held on Friday, April 15, 2016 from 12 noon until 6:00 p.m. A service of celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at Eastern Star Baptist Church where Rev. Marshall Allen is the pastor and Officiant. Interment will be in Rose Hedge Cemetery.