Donald Eugene Williams

Our Beloved Papaw, Donald Eugene Williams, 95, of Little Rock, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2017. He was surrounded by much of his family in the days prior to his passing. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God gave him peace in his final days. Don was predeceased by his parents, Osborne and Lorene Williams, and a son-in-law of 28 years, Jim Henry. Donald is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ann Williams; a sister, Helen McCord of Iowa; three children, Curtis Williams and Karan Henry of Hot Springs, Arkansas and Renae Goodwin of Santa Clara, California. Don is also survived by many grandchildren, Richard and Jenny Williams of Dallas, Texas, Jason and Ashley Ballard of Hot Springs, Courtney Henry of Hot Springs, Casey and Whitney Henry of Bentonville, Arkansas, and Bryan Goodwin of Santa Clara. Don is also survived by many great-grandchildren, Matthew and Molly Williams, Madisson Williams, Alleigh and Abby Ballard, Hayleigh Wyrick, Jayda Hunter, Hallie Ford and Reese Henry. Don was blessed with a large and loving family whom he supported in his entirety. Don spent much of his time with his wife Ann. Together they built a life that most can only imagine. Don was a loving, supporting and selfless man to his family and friends. He was quick to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Don was a social man who never met a stranger. He loved to be outdoors, was a devout Christian and patriot. He was a proud WWII veteran who fought in the Pacific from 1942-1945. He was Honorably Discharged from the United States Navy in October 1945, just a few months after the war ended. After the war, Don went to work for the State of Arkansas where he retired after over 25 years of loyal service. Over the last 55 years, he has enjoyed following and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports. Every child, grandchild and great-grandchild could expect a hug and a smile after every game. Only just recently when he became unable due to illness, he stopped attending ballgames. However, he still enjoyed keeping newspaper clippings and watching videos of ballgames. Don had many friends but none as special as his neighbors of over 40 years, Leo and Maxinne Tollett. Don considered them family along with Neil and Nola Gibbs of Little Rock. He truly cherished their genuine friendships and always caught more fish than Neil. Visitation will be Sunday, January 22, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 West 12th Street in Little Rock. Graveside services with Military Honors will be Monday, January 23, at 10 a.m. at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Baptist Church, 10710 I-30, Little Rock, Ark. 72209. Online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.