Richard Lewis Williams

Richard Lewis Williams, 67, formerly of Batesville, wonderful family man with words of kind expression in each smile, passed on Monday, July 23, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House.

Richard was born to Ross and Eula Williams of Batesville.

Richard is survived by his wife, Bernie F. Bolden Williams; two daughters, Fayeth Hurt (Jay) and Hope Weatherley; and five grandchildren, Morgan and Jacob Weatherley, and Grace, Evan and Seth Hurt, all of Jonesboro.

He is also survived by his brothers, Roger, Michael and Jeffrey all of Batesville; Ronald of Little Rock; his sister Darlene Hudson of Batesville; and several nieces and nephews, whom he loved very much.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, David from Illinois.

Richard’s first love was Jesus Christ and being a member of the Church of Christ. He was a singing, Bible believing, Godly man of strong faith who would rather go to church than any other place. He was a fun loving, patient Southern gentleman, believing no woman should have to open a door for herself.

He was a generous man, known often to assist his elderly tenants with their rent. His word was always taken as fact, for he was honest and trustworthy.

He was known in his younger days for playing baseball and basketball.

Richard served in the Army National Guard. He was very patriotic, respected the American flag and enjoyed watching the flag fly in his own yard.

Richard completed broadcasting school in Little Rock and worked for a while at KBTA in Batesville as a radio announcer.

He was retired from Eastman Chemical Company in Batesville and from self-employment as a painting contractor, traveling with his wife, Bernie, to several states. He had been a private pilot and shared his flying time and plane with family and friends. He had been a member of the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association.

Richard was a caring, loving husband, daddy and grandpa. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them having tea parties, playing ball, fishing, hunting, boating, water skiing, hiking, mountain climbing, camping and vacationing. He was known for saying, “Sing and make yourself happy,” and “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll stand for anything.”

The family wishes to thank each and every person connected in any way to the care and concern for Richard. We have received many blessings and extra strength due to your many prayers and acts of support.

He will be extremely missed.

Private services were held Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, lasting memorials may be made to the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House at St. Bernards Development Foundation, P.O. Box 9320, Jonesboro, AR, 72403.