Joe Charles Williams

“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it” Ecclesiastes 12:7 On January 13, 1950, Ray Leon and Mary Elizabeth Brownlee Williams welcomed to their family a handsome baby boy. They named him Joe Charles and was affectionalty called “Red.” Joe Charles was raised in the Manchester community. Nurtured in a Christian environment, Joe Charles gave his life to Christ at a young age and attended the Church of God In Christ. You could find him in the “Amen-corner” playing the bass guitar as his younger brother, Beasley played the lead providing music for their father’s ministry. He received his early education at the Manchester Community School. He later attended Peake High School where he was a member of the marching band where he excelled as a trombone player. He later attended Henderson State University. He served his country by joining the United States Marine Corps on November 14, 1967. While in the Marine Corps he received several honors, medals and commendations including: the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm-Frame Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnamese Campaign Medal w/Device. He was honorably discharged on September 18, 1970. Joe was blessed with three children, Martina, Shayla and Joe, Jr. On April 23, 2006 he married Celesia Daniel and the Lord added to this union, Alesha, Tamra, Frederick, Tristin and Kanesha. Joe was a very talented in the areas of carpentry, auto mechanics, and gardening. He was also proficient in the area of culinary art. He knew his way around the kitchen. Above all of his honors, medals and areas of expertise he was a great caregiver. He provided excellent care for his father while battling an illness himself. He faithfully cared for his daddy until his death. On Friday, September 11, 2009, in his 59th season , Joe answered the call that no man can refuse and now rests in the arms of Jesus. He was welcomed home by his mother, Mary E. Williams and three brothers, Ray, Jr., Ardis and Jessie Paul. Those left to cherish his memories are his wife, Celesisa; his father Superintendent Ray L. Williams; two daughters, Martina L. Walker (Dennis) of Douglasville, GA; Shayla Williams of Texarkana, AR; one son, Joe C. Williams, Jr., of Tyler, TX; two step-sons; Frederick Bragg of Arkadelphia, AR, and Tristian Daniel of Little Rock, AR; three step-daughters, Tamara Daniel of Arkadelphia, AR, Alisha Harrison of Arkadelphia and Kanesha Daniel of Springdale, AR; sixteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He also leaves three sisters, Emma J. Hooks (Mose) of North Little Rock, AR; Fay Guinn (Charles) of Mesquite, TX, and Annie Bishop (Ellis) of Ft. Smith, AR; five brothers, Beasley Williams (Clara) of Odessa, TX, Alfred Scott (Shirley) of Arkadelphia, AR, Michael Watson of Arkadelphia, AR, Elder James J. Watson (Tracy) of Sherwood, AR, and Samuel Watson of Newport, AR; mother-in-law, Mrs. Dorothy Daniel of Sparkman, AR; one brother-in-law, Elder Carl Frederick Daniel of Little Rock, AR; three sisters-in-law, Phyllis Harrison (Rickey), Bettye Daniel and Sharon Daniel all of Sparkman, AR; three aunts, Ruby McClellan of Malvern, AR, Pinkie Pellum and Ruby Floyd of Riverside, CA; one uncle, Joseph Brownlee of Arkadelphia, AR; and a host of nieces, nephews, numerous cousins and several friends. His five best friends, Bennie Thornton, Harold Jones, Eddie Forte, Mike Newborn and Rick McClure will also miss his friendship. Mr. Williams will lie in state at Williams Funeral Home on Friday, September 18, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 pm. A Homegoing Celebration is planned for Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 12 noon in the sanctuary of Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., is the pastor. His brother, Elder James J. Watson, the pastor of Northside C.O.G.I.C. in Ft. Smith, Arkansas will inspire the spoken word. Bearers of the casket will be Marcus Hooks, Mose Hooks, Jr., Vincent Williams, Bennie Thornton, Larry Williams, James Watson, Williams Owens, Jr., and Bradley Tulson. Honorary Bearers will be Beasley Williams, Alfred Scott, Mike Newborn, Eddie Forte and Harold Hudson. The committal service and final resting place will be in Piney Grove Cemetery.