Donald Earl Williams

Donald Earl Williams passed away on December 29, 2024, in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, at the age of 87. A funeral service will be held to celebrate his life at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Glorious Grace Fellowship Church in Little Flock, Arkansas, followed by burial at Friendship Cemetery in Springdale.

Donald was born on April 26, 1937, in Oklahoma City, during challenging times of the Great Depression. He later lived in Lowell, Arkansas, on land that his great-grandfather purchased from the original homesteaders. His educational journey began at Center Corner School, a one-room schoolhouse in Lowell, before he graduated from Rogers High School in 1955. He continued his studies at the University of Arkansas and proudly served in ROTC, as well as in the Arkansas National Guard.

Donald married Bertha Banks, with whom he shared three children: Dawn Marie, John Banks, and Thomas Charles. Bertha preceded him in death on September 7, 1997. After her passing, Donald married JoAnna Drymon. He was an active member of Zion Missionary Baptist Church and later joined First United Methodist Church in Springdale. Together with JoAnna, he was also involved in the Kiwanis organization.

Donald is survived by his wife, JoAnna Williams; his daughter, Dawn Marie (Williams) Smith of Bella Vista; sons, John Banks Williams and Shannon Keck of Rogers, and Thomas Charles Williams and Johnna of Bella Vista; six grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; two sisters, Marquita Sue Whitaker and Mary Kathryn "Kathy" Neal; a brother, Danny Michael Williams; as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends who will cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Bertha; his parents, Dorothy (Blankenship) Williams and Earl Williams; and his oldest sister, Rose Marie Willett.

Active pallbearers will include Thomas Williams, John Williams, Cameron Williams, Levi Williams, Nicholas Williams, and Rory Dent. 

Viewing will be on Friday from noon to 1 PM at Glorious Grace Fellowship Church prior to the service.