June 10, 1925 - April 10, 2019
Earl Williams, age 93, died on April 10, 2019 in Ft. Smith, AR. Earl is survived by his extended family, daughter JoAnn of Portland, OR and sons, Thomas of Plano, TX and Earl Jr. of Largo, FL his brother Roy Glendal and sisters Ilene Watkins, Doris Heathcock, Mary English, Pat Campbell and Vendy Gregory. He is preceded in death by his first wife Lilly Rita Williams, step son Emmitt David Williams of New Orleans, his second wife, Evelyn Kelley Williams, brother Leon and sister Delores Lowery. Earl has 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Earl was born on June 10, 1925 in Spiro, Oklahoma to parents Thomas Williams and Leona Gracy. He attended school in Spiro before joining the military during World War II. Earl was a great family man, a loving father, a hard-working city employee and a dedicated soldier. He married Lilly Rita Larroque in New Orleans and the couple had 3 children together and a step son. Earl entered the US Navy in April 1944 and served until after the end of WWII. He re-entered in March 1947 and served a total of roughly 28 years in the U.S. Navy and Army during WWII, Korea and Vietnam. His service took him to Guadacanal, Admiralty Islands, Okinawa, Point Barrow, Alaska, Havana, Cuba, Ft Eustis, Va, Camp Leroy Johnson, LA and Heidelberg, Germany. He retired at Ft. Rucker, AL on April 9, 1971 at the rank of SFC after serving as the commanding general’s enlisted aide for almost 6 years. Earl was a very active man who was deeply involved with his family, work, church and neighbors for the majority of his life. He enjoyed visiting with family, staying in touch with friends and neighbors and riding his bike. His family and friends will always remember him as a very social, entertaining, inspirational and caring person. Above all he will always be revered for his love of the military and his country. He was truly a great patriot. A funeral is scheduled for 10:00 am on Monday, April 15, 2019 at Lewis Funeral Chapel, 4817 Kelley Hwy, Fort Smith, AR 72904. Interment will be at Ft. Smith National Cemetery. Wendyl Heffington, Pastor and longtime friend, will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate SFC Earl Williams life. Visitation will be Sunday, from 2-3:30 pm. The family would like to thank Grace at Home, Mercy Hospital Hospice and Legacy Heights for their special care, compassion and attention. Arrangements are being handled by Lewis Funeral Chapel in Ft. Smith. Donations in lieu of flowers should be sent to; Southern Christian Children’s Home, P.O. Box 649, Morrilton, AR 72110. To place an online tribute, go to www.lewisfuneralchapel.net