John "JT" Williamson

John Thomas (JT) Williamson of El Dorado, Arkansas, passed away February 26, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family. A lifelong resident of El Dorado, JT was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

He was born January 18, 1944 in El Dorado, Arkansas to Thomas and Ruby Williamson. Survivors are his wife of 62 years, La Nette, three sons, Vance (Netasha), Blake, Brent (Katie) and eight grandchildren.

Born and raised in El Dorado, he graduated from El Dorado High School, Class of 1962. After high school, he attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville before returning home to begin both his career and his life with the love of his life, La Nette Foster, whom he married and shared 62 wonderful years of marriage.

He dedicated much of his professional life to the machining and manufacturing industry. He worked as a machine shop supervisor for Hilyard Drilling Company before starting and operating Superior Machine Parts. He later served as vice president of Manufacturing for Marine Specialty and shared his knowledge be teaching machine shop technology, blueprint reading, quality assurance, metallurgy and drafting at South Arkansas Community College. In time, he and La Nette purchased The Flower Basket, a gift and home decor store they enjoyed operating together. Even in retirement, he continued working alongside his sons at Diversified Services and Lawn Center, where he found great joy in partnering with family.

JT and La Nette built their life in El Dorado, raising three sons who married close to home. He was a proud father to Vance (Netasha), Blake, and Brent (Katie). Nothing brought him greater joy than his growing family. He cherished his grandchildren: Garrett, Alex, Grace, Walker, Victoria, John David, Charlotte, and Abigail.

A faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church, he served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and on various committees throughout his life. His faith guided his life and service to others. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, especially crafting handmade toys for Operation Christmas Child, bringing smiles and the Gospel message to children he would never meet but deeply cared about.

He will be remembered for his steady work ethic, his servant's heart, his quiet strength and wisdom, and his deep love for his family, His legacy lives on through the lives he shaped, the lessons he taught, and the faith he faithfully lived each day. He will be missed.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m, Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Young's.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 2, 2026 at Immanuel Baptist Church with Rev. Larry Hudson and Dr. Clark Whitney officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors.

Memorials can be made to Operation Christmas Child Fund at Immanuel Baptist Church in El Dorado, Arkansas.

An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.