Arthur Williams

Arthur Leland Williams passed away on the 78th anniversary of his birth while celebrating at home with his family. Although born in Riverside, California on September 15, 1942, Art was never in one place too long as a child. He lived on Army bases around the country and across the globe all throughout his youth. Art earned his undergraduate degree in 1968 and his Master’s degree in 1973, both from the University of Arkansas.

Art had a 32-year career in the US Army, in both active and reserve duty roles, and retired as a Lt. Colonel. He served two-and-half years in Vietnam as a tank commander earning both a Silver Star and a Bronze Star for his meritorious service while in combat. He was also a Command and General Staff College graduate and taught at the U.S. Army Reserve School for several years. In 2007, he retired from his civilian career in human resources to devote his time to volunteer work.

Art will forever be remembered as a dedicated father who was very involved in his children’s activities, from the Association for Hearing Impaired Children with Lauri, to Boy Scouts of America with Michael. An Eagle Scout himself, he served as Scout Master at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church for many years and served on the Ouachita Council, earning a Silver Beaver Award. One of his proudest moments was watching his son achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

Art served on the Arkansas Federal Credit Union Board of Directors for 27 years in a variety of capacities ranging from member to chairman. He watched it grow from a small, military-based credit union to a statewide multi-billion-dollar financial institution. He devoted himself to the Council of Community of Hope Arkansas, and as a chaplain for UAMS’s Pastoral Ministry for several years. He was also involved with the KAIROS prison ministry. Both ministries were extremely meaningful to him. Another organization he ardently committed himself to was St. Francis House. Often, he was stopped in public by people who he had touched in his work and asked if he remembered them. It gives our family great comfort knowing that his legacy of service to others will remain in the hearts of others.

Art had a deep and abiding faith which he practiced daily, usually quietly, but always fervently. He shared his love of Christ freely, preferring to demonstrate his faith through actions rather than his words. A member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church for over 46 years, he served on the vestry three times and on many committees.

Art’s death will leave a sizeable void in our family and community. Many people would describe him by the sheer size of his heart. He accepted and loved everyone for who they were. Tears came easily to him and he saw the good in everyone. He could not tolerate hate or injustice and the best way to honor him is to live as he lived – with a servant’s heart and love for one another.

Art is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Sharon; his children, Lauri Williams & Melina Rivera of Little Rock, AR, and Michael & Erin Williams of College Station, TX; his much-adored grandsons, Jackson & Sean Williams; as well as his younger siblings, Cade Gibson, Dennis Williams, and Lela Lowe, and 9 nieces and 6 nephews. He also loved his wife’s family as his own, sister and brother in-law, Elizabeth and Bill Barger of Little Rock, AR. Art was proud to be a foreign exchange father to Carlos Oropeza of Mexico and Yanee Cerny of Slovokia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leland and Dorine Williams and brother-in-law, Billy Browers who passed away just last year.

A small family service will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Columbarium. A celebration of Art’s life will be held at a later date when gatherings are once again safe.

Arrangements by Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200.  Art’s online guestbook may be signed at www.smithfamilycares.com.