front&center: Tyrone Williamson

LITTLE ROCK — Tyrone Williamson arrives for his interview a little late, and in his rush through the door the large, black stadium umbrella he carries snaps open, barring his entrance. Leave it to the mayor to start everyone off with a good laugh.

When Williamson smiles, the room lights up. His 6-foot-2-inch frame wriggles out of the overcoat and his warm, brown eyes catch everyone's. His is the face of a sincere man. As he snatches off his tie he says, "You're my last appointment of the day. Tomorrow, I have to wear a suit all day," obviously not pleased.

Williamson, 52, has lived in Russellville his entire life and learned the value of hard work and the importance of treating people with respect from his father, who insisted that each of his 11 children serve the community without expecting rewards. Williamson's personal goal is to perform two good deeds a day.

Although his father, Lewis Williamson, died several years ago, Tyrone carries those lessons with him and has instructed his own children, Jared, a senior at Russellville High School, and Carissa, who lives in Atlanta, with the teachings of his childhood.

The mayor's wife, Crystal, serves as first lady of Russellville. The couple met 20 years ago in Chicago when Williamson visited his brother-in-law, Eugene "Gino" Moore.

She lived in the same neighborhood. "We met in September, and we married on Christmas Day," he said. "She is my love and my biggest supporter." Crystal works as the administrative assistant to the vice president of finance and administration at Hendrix College in Conway.

Williamson was Russellville's first black alderman and is the first black mayor.

"You know, I was constable for eight years before I ran for alderman, so I was around for awhile, and I heard a few comments from folks saying I couldn't do this or I couldn't do that because I was a different color, but I knew I could do all things through the Lord who strengthens me even now," he said.

"There is a song I love sung by the Williams Brothers, and it goes, 'The world looks at the outside, but God looks at the heart.' He made us the way we are and wants us to come to him as we are. My parents taught me never to look down on people unless I was bendingdown to pick someone up."

In his past life, Williamson worked 28 years as a meter specialist for Entergy. He is completing his bachelor's degree in rehabilitation science with a minor in sociology from Arkansas Tech University.

Williamson's enthusiasm for his hometown is obvious.

"It's a friendly town, real laid-back. It's a great place to raise a family," he says.

Russellville, with its population nearing 24,000, has seen growth in recent years with the addition of several upscale restaurants, including chain restaurants, locally owned establishments and a tea room.

Williamson is the uncle of Corliss Williamson, a star basketball player for Russellville High School and the Razorbacks who retired in 2007 from the NBA. Several years ago, Corliss donated $1 million toward construction of a Boys and Girl Club. The club adds to the community resources, and the recently completed Russellville Skateboard Park further testifies to the significance local leadership places on youth.

Another area of economic growth is Arkansas Tech University, which has set enrollment records for several years while building and renovating facilities. A new residential compound, complete with a club, will open soon. The endeavor covers an entire block and is within walking distance of the main campus.

Residents approved a 1-cent sales tax last year to build a convention center, renovate City Hall and complete 23 projects within the parks system. Mack Hollis, Russellville parks director, said, "The mayor is real easy and a lotof fun to work for. He respects us and is there to help us. Everybody gets along with Tyrone. Instead of coming in and telling everybody what to do, he approaches everything with a team approach."

Hollis supports Williamson's passion to serve the needs of the elderly. "We have made a lot of progress taking care of our young people. It has long been my goal to take care of our seniors."

Hollis says, "If the revenues are higher than expected from the sales tax, we may be looking at quite a start on addressing the elder care needs which are on the mayor's wish list: an affordable fitness center for seniors and a reliable transportation system.

The mayor has the ear of an influential work force. Pope County Judge Jim Ed Gibson, 3rd Congressional District Rep. John Boozman and Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Director Dan Flowers have allowed staff and department resources to form a preliminary transportation task force. "The VA van here is available for veterans who give 48 hours notice, but if you get sick all of a sudden, you might not have a 48-hour window," Williamson said.

Hollis, aldermen Freddie Harris and Bill Eaton, Philip Moore of Boozman's office and Jimmie Lou Fisher, attorney general consumer education instructor, are key players in obtaining funding for a city-supported senior fitness center. Fisher said of the mayor, "He is one of the most endearing and committed public servants I have ever met. We became instant friends, and I am so excited to assist him in addressing the concerns that are dear to him because we all know he has the best interest of Russellville at heart."

Williamson has his hand in many charitable volunteer jars, but closest to his heart are the Heart Walk, Relay for Life, hospice and prison ministry.

Dozens of stories of his good works circulate throughout town. On a recent Saturday, Williamson took a break from the tornado relief he was providing in Atkins to support a benefit sponsored by hospice. He sang several hymns before rushing back to continue his work in Atkins.

In a reverent tone, Susan Bailey of Russellville tells of Williamson visiting her late husband in the hospital. "He just came and sang. It was beautiful. He didn't have to do it, but it made such an impression on the folks there, and my husband appreciated it so much." She tears up just remembering the moment.

The singing mayor believes in sharing his talent to nursinghome and hospital patients. He doesn't bring music. He sings a capella in a loud and true voice.

He believes the community needs to be concerned with modeling appropriate behavior to its children. That's part of the reason he reads at day-care centers and elementary schools. He recently read at Sequoyah Elementary's Pajama Night where the students came dressed in pajamas to listen to a story. The book for the evening's reading was Mayor for a Day by Carl Sommer, which tells of a boy named Davy who gets to be mayor of his small, peaceful town for a day. Davy decides to abolish all rules and, naturally, mayhem breaks out. By the end of the story, the children are thankful that Davy decides to give up the mayorship and order is restored. Williamson loves the lessons gleaned from the book and uses the opportunity to teach that "Rules are meant for everybody - even grownups."

Not only concerned for the welfare of his youngest constituents, Williamson, along with members of his congregation, travel to the Alexander Youth Services Center near Bryant every Tuesday to minister to young and often hostile offenders. The church members occasionally allow themselves to be locked in during the weekends. "I can find good in anybody," Williamson says, "and these young people have their whole lives ahead ofthem. It's a blessing to witness the change some of these kids make through our witnessing.

"I have had kids come up to me not believing we drove all the way from Russellville, that's three hours round trip, just for a 45-minute session. I tell them that if we can get just one of them to turn their life around, it's worth the drive." says Williamson, who suffers from night blindness and is seeking a volunteer driver.

In one week, this giant of a man has taught children to value rules, troubled youth to trust in God, and his fellow community leaders to trust his leadership. He has also taught the citizens in Russellville to stand a little taller.

"I've had a City Council member tell me, 'I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine.' And I told him, 'my back doesn't itch.' I came to the council broke, and I'm going back broke. God will supply my needs."

The optimistic mayor counts his blessings daily. Seven years ago he contracted a viral infection in his heart, almost died in the hospital, and developed cardiomyopathy. He survived with only 10 percent of his heart function.

His days are a physical challenge for a healthy person. For him, his stamina is a miracle. "It's just easier to smile and go on," he says. "I woke up this morning and someone else didn't. I'm sure they would love to trade places with me."

Williamson made some lifestyle changes as a result of his condition, including walking to reduce stress. He credits medication and prayers for the fact he has reclaimed 10 percent of his heart. With his heart functioning at just 20 percent its intended capacity, he practices life gratitude. He also has earned the respect of his co-workers.

"He is doing things for people every day," Debra Kendrick, his administrative assistant, said. "He just shows such decency toward everyone."

"If I'm going out," Williamson said, "I'm going out doing good deeds."matter of factMy age: 52 Family: Mother, Elizabeth Williamson; wife, Crystal; daughter, Karisa, 26; son, Jared, 17.

Occupation: Mayor of Russellville My most important possession: I have two Bibles on the floor in my office, one in my briefcase and one in the car. But my most prized possession is owned by my family, the family Bible with all our generations documented inside. It's at my mother's house.

Biggest fear: Letting God down.

Someday I'll: I hope to get to tour the big palaces and cathedrals. I love architecture. I hope I'm able to go to Egypt and beyond one day and walk where Jesus walked.

Favorite quote: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." My last meal would be: Everyone knows I love chicken and burgers. My last meal, were I able to choose, would be a big, juicy hamburger and fries.