John Thomas Williams III, 75, of Walnut Ridge, passed away December 12, 2024, at the Phil and Flo Hospice House in Jonesboro, Arkansas. John was born on August 16, 1949, in Walnut Ridge. He was the eldest son of J.T. and Mabel Williams.
John was active in scouting during his school years achieving the highest rank of Eagle Scout. John participated in school sports and played on the Walnut Ridge High School basketball team. He served in the Arkansas National Guard while attending college. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a business degree.
He was gifted in the field of carpentry and served as an apprentice under his uncle, Fred Kellow, master carpenter. During that time, he took much pride in helping build the First Presbyterian Church in Walnut Ridge. He went on to pursue residential building and commercial construction working in several states focusing on cooling towers for refineries. After returning to Walnut Ridge, he became involved with the operation of the family farm before retiring.
Everyone who knew John knew what a kindhearted soul he was. He loved helping those in need and greatly enjoyed fellowship with friends. Those who knew him well fondly referred to him as “Ghost.” John was an avid reader and crossword puzzle worker which he learned from his mother.
John was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Alan Williams. His surviving siblings include Bill Williams (Dee Ann) of Edmond, Oklahoma and Anne Edwards (Jerry) of Fayetteville, Arkansas.
A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 1:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. A private burial will be at Lawrence Memorial Park with Bryan Funeral Home handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church or the Lawrence County Library.