Joe Mac Williams

Joe Mac Williams, 80, of Russellville, AR, died Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home in Russellville, AR. The son of Roy and Mae Duncan Williams, he was born January 24, 1932 in Lewisburg, KY.

He is survived by his three children, Nan (Larry) Williams Carlisle, Bowling Green, KY, Craig (Kathy) Williams, Russellville, Scott (Christi) Williams, Russellville; eight grandchildren, Kirstin Carlisle, Bowling Green, KY, Ashlee Williams, San Antonio, TX, Wesley Carlisle, Russellville, KY, Caitlin Williams, Russellville, Casey Williams, Conway, Callie Williams, Russellville, Jared Jones, Russellville, Carson Williams, Greenbrier; two great grandchildren, Kennedy Carlisle, Woodburn, KY, Kaelyn Williams, San Antonio, TX; one brother, Gerald "Jerry" Duncan (Sandra) Williams, Winter Haven, Fl.

He was a 1950 Graduate of Olmstead High School in Kentucky. He was a United States Navy Veteran of the Korean War. His rank was Seaman 3rd Class with destroyer service including US Navy Fleet Action Pusan. He received the United Nations Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Services Medal and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation

He and Mary Kathleen O'Dell were married on December 7, 1957 in Logan County, Kentucky. The family moved to Russellville, AR in 1964.

Joe believed in hard work and had several different careers. He was the plant manager at Rockwell International (now POM) from 1964 until 1976. He was the sales manager at Harold Motor Company, and was co-developer of University Estates sub division in Russellville. In the early 80's he became the Human Resources manager at Laddish and retired as the plant manager in 1988. Finally, he worked in Sales for Dalton King Packaging in Russellville. In 2009, Joe co-founded The Beach Shack in Russellville with his son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Christi Williams.

He served on the Russellville Chamber Of Commerce board of directors, was a lifetime member of the Red Coats, served as President of the Chamber in 1976, and was a member of The Russellville Lions Club. He was a charter member and past president of the Bay Ridge Boat and Golf Club.

Joe also believed in service to his community Joe served for 5 years on the City Corp. Board of Directors during a time of expansion of water resources in the River Valley. He also served for many years on the board of the MARVA Sheltered Workshop in Russellville and was involved in building of the current facility. He was a member and past president of PWI (Project With Industry), a part of the Arkansas Rehabilitation Center in Hot Springs. He was an active supporter of ATU.

Joe thoroughly enjoyed fishing with many friends including "Doc" Irwin, golfing with friends and family, and spending his time and money on his grandchildren.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church and was preceded by his parents and by his wife.

A memorial service will be at 10:00AM, Friday, April 6, 2012 at The Journey. Rev. Jim Huddleston will officiate. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of

Humphrey Funeral Service. Full military honors will be provided by Rogers

Rye Post of the VFW. Visitation will be from 6~8:00 pm, on Thursday, April 5 at The Journey, 3001 East H Street, Russellville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to MARVA Sheltered Workshop, 1205 South Arkansas Avenue, Russellville, AR 72801 (www.marvaworkshop.org) or Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home, 2405 E. Parkway Ste-3, Russellville, AR 72802 (www.arkansashospice.org).

Internet obituary and on-line guest book are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.

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