John Douglas Williams, Sr.

On October 9, 1954, Elder Paul Williams and Mildred Francis Jones Williams welcomed the birth of their first child, John Douglas Williams, Sr. His parents were highly respected among friends and neighbors in Sparkman. They raised him in a Christian environment teaching him the biblical principle that; A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all. Proverbs 22:1 John was an active and lively child. 

He first accepted Christ at Williams Temple COGIC under the pastorate of his father Elder Paul Williams. He grew up at Williams Temple COGIC where the gift of music manifested itself in his life. He played the piano, guitar, drums and even tried to sing a note or two. He drowned himself in learning each instrument and perfecting his skills. He loved music and that love transitioned to his children and grandchildren who are all musically sound. 

The Lord blessed John with a gift and his COGIC roots allowed him to use his gifts to bless others. His parents spoiled John, but made sure that he knew the way of holiness. He attended Peake High School. There he excelled as a student and showed tremendous enthusiasm in sports. Although he wasn’t interested in playing football, track was his domain. He was an excellent sprinter for the track team and made a reputation for himself by being one of the fastest to ever walk the halls of Peake High School. He busied himself building lasting friendships with other students, faculty and staff. He met and married Patricia Williams on July 27, 1973, and to this union six children were born.

He worked a modest job at the local scrap yard and was well-known in the Arkadelphia community. He was a loving father who enjoyed the simple pleasures that life offered. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, hunting and eating sweets all the time. His greatest joy was being in the company of his family. He was a dedicated member of Greater Tate Temple COGIC and a former member of Manchester COGIC under the leadership of Superintendent Leroy Williams. He was a percussionist at Piney Grove AME Church and found joy in Sunday morning worship which had always been a part of his life. 

John passed from this life on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. He was preceded in his passing by his parents, Elder Paul Williams (2020), and Mother Mildred Francis Jones Williams (2013), and his brother, Calvin Van Williams. 

John Douglas leaves his wife, Patricia Williams of Arkadelphia; and their children, Sheree Williams of Ashdown, AR, LaKecia Williams of Arkadelphia, AR, Treasie Williams-Latin of Arkadelphia, AR, John Williams, Jr., and his wife, Etoya of Monticello, AR, AaDrian Williams and his wife, Nicole of Conway, AR and TeShira Williams of Arkadelphia, AR; twelve grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He also leaves four brothers, Maurice Williams and his wife, Norma of Mt. Pine, AR, James Williams and his wife, Janice of Gurdon, AR, Jerry Williams of Hope, AR and Paul Dennis Williams of Joan, AR; an aunt, Dorothy Jones of Texarkana, TX; a host of nieces, nephews, good friends, Herbert “Poncho" Allison, Anderson “Pluky” Thomas and several other friends. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Greater Tate Temple COGIC with Superintendent LeRoy Williams, eulogist. The interment will be at Piney Grove Cemetery. Friends are invited to view the Images of Life DVD and sign the guestbook on Friday, August 16, 2024 from 12 noon until 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home.