Ben Williams Jr.

A small intimate funeral will be held 10:30am, Monday April 16, 2018 at Bratcher Funeral Home Family Room before going back to Corning, Arkansas.

A visitation will be held 10:00am to 12:00am Friday April 20, 2018 at Ermert Funeral Home, Corning, Arkansas.

Burial will be at 2:00pm at Monette Memorial Park Cemetery in Monette, Arkansas.

As a native Arkansan, Ben was born Sunday May 24, 1925 in Black Oak, Arkansas. He was born to Ben Williams and Claudie Wallace Williams Hogg.

Ben married the love of his life, Janice Woodruff on July 4, 1946 in Manila, Arkansas.

Ben was a decorated WWII veteran having been a proud member of the United States Navy Sea Bees. The skills he learned from his military service building military servicemen quarters and runways allowing for U.S. air craft to refuel on missions. The lessons he learned from his service created many opportunities for his involvement in the development of housing, farming and wildlife preservation throughout Arkansas. As a game warden early in his career it brought him joy to donate what is known as Williams Lake and Mom’s Lake for all local families to enjoy throughout their lifetime. He was honored numerous times by the United States Game and Fish Commission for his generosity.

Ben was an exemplary model of a humble and quiet helper throughout the Corning farming community in times of struggles. As a farmer he ensured that all who came his way could see the light at the end of the tunnel. Many families were able to create a living for their own due to his efforts. He proudly served in several Arkansas Masonic Lodges.

Ben is survived by his wife Janice Woodruff Williams, formerly of Corning, Arkansas, now Denison, Texas; daughters Nadi Harley Crank of Heber Springs, Arkansas and Betty Jo Williams Tarver, (Kelly) of Denison, Texas.

Ben was a doting grandfather of Amber Russell, (Adam) of Naperville, Illinois; Kaytie Harley of Cedar Park, Texas; Richard Tarver, (Jen) of Como, Texas; and Laura Reeves, (Chris) of Anna, Texas.

He also is a great grandfather of Joey and Olivia Russell; Taylor Harvey; Garrett and Gunner Tarver; London, Christian and Henry Reeves.

He is also survived by his sister Nadine Edwards of Little Rock, Arkansas and numerous nephews and nieces.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents; step-father Walter Hogg and sister Kathaline Tapp of Walker Lake, Nevada.

The family would like to thank his devoted and heaven sent caregivers, Dianna Cook and Michelle Jones.

Please make all remembrances to the First United Methodist Church of Corning, 600 Pine St., Corning, Arkansas 72422.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bratcherfuneralhome.com for the Williams family.