Arthur Lee Williams

March 11, 1952 - April 18, 2022

Arthur Lee Williams was born on March 11, 1952 in Shongaloo, Louisiana to Floyd Harvey and Minnie Bell Williams. He was preceded in death by parents, Floyd Harvey Williams and Minnie Bell Williams, sisters Willie Esther Grigsby, Josie Rhone and Patricia Williams. Brothers Donald Ray Williams and Henry C. Williams and son, Arthur T. Williams.

Arthur attended Charles Brown High School in Spring Hill, Louisiana where his natural talent for singing and acting was cultivated. During his high school years, he appeared in Porgy and Bess and West Side Story. After graduating high school, he attended Grambling University in Grambling, Louisiana where he continued developing his voice, became a trained classical baritone, and had many solo appearances around the state. Arthur's voice reminded people of Paul Robeson and Barry White.

Arthur moved to Kansas City in the seventies and worked at Yellow Freight as a serviceman for 33 years. He was a proud member of Teamsters Local 41.

He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church where he was a Deacon, a member of the adult choir and the male chorus. He also sang with the New Era District choir.

Arthur never met a stranger and always had a conversation to share about anything and everything. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed learning from others. He had a genuine passion for fishing and often caught the maximum allowed by law. On a good day, he would go to two lakes or spend from dawn to after sundown fishing. He looked forward to retirement because he knew he could hit the lakes and ponds anytime he was in the mood. He tested different techniques and valued what was tried and true. He often rewarded friends, neighbors, family members and co-workers with fresh fish or an invitation to a fish fry.

He was a Chiefs and Royals fan, but his real passion was college basketball. He could watch it for hours at a time, men's and women's. He often took vacation during tournament time so he would not miss any games.

Arthur had a passion for life and wanted to help others find theirs. In addition to working at Yellow Freight, he was a co-trainer with Focus Seminars of Kansas City, Inc., where he helped people discover and embrace their true selves. Arthur was a big man with a big, kind and loving heart and the best hugs. He will be genuinely missed by all that knew him.

He leaves to celebrate his life and cherish the memories made, his wife Lynnette Williams, "daughters" Courtney Moon (Allen), Ashley Block (Brandon) and daughters Kuirstan Williams, Ashley Davis, sons Andre Williams and Casey Williams. Sisters Lula Bell Sykes, Rosie Williams and brothers Floyd Williams (JoAnne) and David Williams (Debra), 19 beloved grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.