Bennie Mae Williams of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior Wednesday, 13 November 2024 in Waldron, Arkansas. Bennie was born July 21, 1926, in Waltreak, Arkansas to Jessie David and Bertha Mae Williams. Bennie was 98 years old and a member of Friendship Pentecostal Church of God.
In 1949, Bennie married the love of his life, Wilma Maxine Isham. Maxine and Bennie celebrated almost 69 years together before Jesus came to take her home. When she left, so did his world, because that’s what she was to him. Bennie, or Pa/Uncle Bennie as he was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Those who knew Bennie will remember him for his infectious smile, his deep-rooted faith in Jesus and of course, his absolute love of FISHING! It didn’t matter if he caught any, he just loved to fish. Most of all, Bennie loved the Lord. He included God in everything he did. If you went to visit him, most likely he could be found at the table reading his bible. He was part of the team that founded the New Life Center, an accomplishment he cherished above all others. He had an unwavering commitment to spreading love, kindness and Jesus to everyone he encountered. He had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path.
Sergeant First Class (Retired) Bennie Williams loved his Country. When he enlisted in the Army in World War II and was part of the returning force of General Douglas MacArthur when MacArther kept his promise of “I shall return” to the Philippines. After WWII, Bennie took Commando/Special Forces training before being sent to Inchon, Korea at the start of the Korean Conflict. After that war it was a three-year tour in Germany, then in 1962 he was hand selected by the Ethiopian government to lead a maintenance team in support a secret mapping mission for three years in Ethiopia, Africa. After 21 years in the Army, Bennie retired and moved back to his farm in Arkansas where he bought a team of mules and went back to the “woods.” He alternated between skidding logs and operating Hyster’s/Fork-lifts in sawmills around Waldron for a few years before buying a rock crushing business where he gained the nick-name “Hard Rock.” It wasn’t long before the “woods” called him back and he continued to skid logs. After the log woods, Bennie took a job as School Bus Driver for the Waldron School District. For the next 18 years, Uncle Bennie took care of all the children on Highway 250.
Although Bennie’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. As you continue to worship Jesus up there, Dad/Pa/Uncle Bennie, your light will forever shine brightly in our hearts.
Remaining here on this earth to cherish his memory is his loving daughter, Crissy Holmes and his son, Steve Williams and Karen, of Waldron, his daughter in law, Sharon Williams of Heavener, Oklahoma. Bennie will forever be missed by his six grandchildren, Shawn Williams, Sonya Nix, Carrie Orta, Brian Williams, and Daniel and Ben Ates as well as 15 great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren. Bennie is also survived by three sisters-in-law: Jean Stanley, Francis Isham and Paula Pinion. Of course, Bennie will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, neighbors and loved ones dear to his heart.
Preceding Bennie in death were his wife, Maxine, his son Ronald Dale, his parents, four sisters and one brother.
Bennie’s visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. November 15, 2024, at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas. His life celebration will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the Friendship Pentecostal Church on Highway 250 in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Jerry Isham. Interment will follow in the Friendship Cemetery on Hwy 250. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Bennie’s pallbearers will be Carrie Orta, Aaron Orta, Ben Ates, Jimmy Isham, Rick Powell, and Ronnie Powell. Honorary pallbearers will by Brian Williams, Jaden Orta and Daniel Ates.
