J.K. Williams

J.K. Williams of Bryant, Arkansas passed away July 18, 2012 at Good Shepherd Nursing Home. J.K. was born in Memphis, Tenn. on May 5, 1926 to the late Gladstone and Johnnie Williams. He spent his childhood in Crawfordsville, Ark. graduating from Crawfordsville High School in 1943. J.K. joined the U.S. Navy in May 1943 serving in WWII until April 1946. He enrolled and earned his BSE in Education from Arkansas State Teachers College in 1950. He later obtained advanced degrees from Peabody College (Vanderbilt) and the University of Arkansas. J.K. began his career as a teacher/coach in the Dumas School District in 1950. He quickly moved to high school principal and then served as school superintendent from 1954-58. He left Dumas in 1958 to work at the University of Arkansas as assistant registrar and pursue his education. After five years with the UofA, J.K. accepted the Superintendent of Schools position at Paragould, Ark. He served there from 1963-65. He moved his family to Blytheville, Ark. in 1965 and served as Supt. of Blytheville School District from 1965-1970. In 1970, J.K. became Assist. Supt. for Personnel in Brevard County School District in Brevard County, Florida. He returned home to Arkansas in 1971 to become Superintendent of the Pulaski County Special School District, serving there until he retired in 1978. After retiring from the public school system, J.K. became the Executive Director of the Arkansas School Boards Association. There, J.K. served on various area and national education boards, always promoting his beloved State of Arkansas wherever he went. His retirement from ASBA in 1992 completed 42 years in education. J.K. enjoyed sharing stories with anyone who would listen and always enjoyed hearing from his former students and colleagues. After retiring, J.K. enjoyed playing tennis at the Otter Creek tennis club. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, and watching the Arkansas Razorbacks. J.K.'s grandchildren and family were the joy of his life, making his retirement most complete. J.K. was always active in his local Methodist church, often found teaching Sunday School classes and Bible studies. J.K was a member of Henderson United Methodist Church. He was also active in various civic organizations in each community he lived as well as state organizations. He was one of the "founding fathers" and former president of the Arkansas Administrators Association as well as the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators. J.K. was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Billy Williams of Marion, Ark. and his sister, Eva Francis Jenkins of Crawfordsville, Ark. J.K. is survived by his wife of 59 years, Edna Earle Stephens Williams; three sons and daughters-in-law: Steve & Julie Williams of Malvern, Ark., David & Kristy Williams of Bryant, Ark., and Dr. Allen & Shelley Williams of Prairie Grove, Ark.; one daughter and son-in-law, Jaye Kay & James Brown of Springdale, Ark.; six grandchildren: Kadra VanSlyke, J.R. Williams, John Williams, Kara Williams, Sydney Williams, and Devre' Rhodes; three great-grandchildren; bothers & sisters-in-law, Kenneth & Donna Stephens and Bill & Geneva Stephens of Conway; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Graveside service will be held at 9:00 AM at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander. A memorial services will be held at Henderson United Methodist Church Friday, July 20, 2012 at 10 a.m. with visitation following the service at the church. Arrangements provided by Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant. To sign J.K.'s online guest book visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas School Boards Assoc. Education Foundation, Henderson United Methodist Church, or a charity of choice.