Rev. John Williams

Rev. John Carroll Williams, 79, of Sheridan, Arkansas, was promoted on Friday, July 2, 2021, at his home, surrounded by family.  He was born in Hamburg, Arkansas, on March 26, 1942, to his parents, Johnnie and Willie Crosby Williams.  At the age of ten, his family moved to Brazoria, Texas, where he later played football for the West Columbia High School Roughnecks.

In 1960, he enlisted and served proudly in the United States Navy and was deployed as an Aircraft Director Handler on the U.S.S. Oriskany Aircraft Carrier during the Vietnam Conflict.  During his enlistment, he met and eventually married his soulmate, Jean Fox, a union by God’s own design that would become a vital ingredient of a fifty-three year ministry. 

It was two days after his birthday in 1968 when God called John to preach.  He attended the Texas Baptist Institute and Seminary in Henderson, TX, the Louisiana Missionary Baptist Institute and Seminary in Minden, LA, and the Gulf Coast Baptist Institute in Bogalusa, LA and earned his bachelor’s degree.  He continued to pastor, mentor, witness, and counsel until his final days.

He was often compared to comedian Jerry Clower due to his infectious laugh and creative storytelling.  He lured souls in with his southern charm, like bees to honey, and wasted no time in introducing them to Jesus Christ.

John enjoyed fishing, and hunting, along with riding horses and motorcycles.  He could “out-fellowship” anyone, and there could NOT be a prouder husband, father, grandfather, or great-grandfather.  He was a true soldier of God who lived to preach God’s word and who’s legacy will continue to flourish for generations to come.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by one sister, Ruth Mae Ellingburg, and one brother, David Leon Williams.

He leaves behind his wife of fifty-six years, Jean Fox Williams; five children, Terry Don Williams (Tammy) of Sheridan, Kenny Ray Williams (Renita) of Glenwood, AR, Tony Jay Williams (Kim) of Delight, AR, Candace Palmer (Jason) of Sheridan, and John Mark Williams (Meredith), also of Sheridan; along with one sister, Margie Ainsworth of Brazoria, TX; one brother, Larry Joe Williams of Houston, TX; fifteen grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 6, at the East Union Missionary Baptist Church, 20422 N. Springlake Rd, Hensley, Arkansas, with his sons officiating, followed by interment at the New Hope Cemetery in Sheridan under the direction of Medders Funeral Home.  Pallbearers are Ryan Palmer, Aaron Williams, Trevor Williams, Jason Palmer, Justin Vines, Lawson Easley, Colton Williams, Ethan Williams, and Maverick Williams.  Honorary pallbearers are all of John’s beloved great-grandchildren.

A Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the church, prior to the service.

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