Mr. Billy is remembered for his devotion to his wife throughout his lasting legacy of leadership and service to schools in Texas and Arkansas. He was a dedicated professional educator with an accomplished career as a public school administrator, teacher, and coach with forty-three years of experience in education. The past thirty-one years has been spent providing administrative leadership at the district and building level.
He was a member of First Baptist Church of Monticello where he taught Adult 3 Sunday School and Awanas and served on various committees. His love of sports and public announcing dubbed him The Voice of the Redbugs, Billies, Bears and Pirates. He covered football, basketball, baseball & softball zealously. He was famous for his booming, 'How' bout them Pirates!' And he was also a supportive friend of the arts and a strong supporter of Seark Concert's SMArts program.
Mr. Williams attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello (BSE), Henderson State University (MSE), University of Central Arkansas (Secondary Principal Certificate) and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville (Administrator's Certificate).
He began his teaching career as a Graduate Assistant, Instructor and Coach at Henderson State University in 1975-76. From there he taught and coached at Texas High School (Texarkana, TX), Warren High School and Howard Payne University (Brownwood, TX). He went on to become a High School Coach at Fordyce, then a Principal at Fordyce. Later taking a Principal Job at Monticello High School in order to bring his family closer to his and his wife's ailing parents. After receiving his superintendent's certificate he served in the Woodlawn and Drew Central School Districts. A few of his professional organizations included the AR Association of Educational Administrators, the AR Superintendent Academy and the AR Association of Rural Administrators. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Arkansas Activities Association (District 7AA Conference President), Drew Memorial Hospital, SEABEC Vocational Center in Warren and the SEARK Educational Service Cooperative (President.) in Monticello. He was a past member of Rotary. Last month he began his training as an auxiliary police for the Monticello Police Dept.
Mr. Billy loved Drew Central Schools and Southeast Arkansas dearly, but at the end of the day loved being just five minutes from the ranch. He could change into his work clothes and bush hog his deer lanes or be a cowboy and help Mrs. Becke by working with the horses and doing ranch chores. They delighted in developing their horse ranch and the PATH Intl Therapeutic Equine Center there. They are very grateful for their sons, for their extended family and many friends, and their lifetime of work in education.
Billy Williams is survived by his son, Michael (and wife, Tiffany) of Puyallup, WA; his son Thomas (and fiancee' Suzy Pratt) of Weatherford TX; three grandchildren, Neala, Nicholas, and Nathanial; his sister, Martha Bess; his brother Bobby Ray (wife Anita); and a number of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2018. Visitation will take place at 9:00 a.m., with funeral service starting at 11:00 at Drew Central's Earl Willis Auditorium Monticello, AR. Burial will take place that afternoon at Pleasant Valley Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Warren, AR at 3:00 p.m. Memorials may be given to American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association or the Pleasant Valley Freewill Baptist Church, 1021 Hwy 278 West, Warren, AR 71671. Arrangements by Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(69)
Patrick Roe
Lakeland, GA Thursday, September 27, 2018 Mr. Williams will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him.He was an extraordinary educator and coach. My sincerest condolances to his family.Lesli
, AR Tuesday, September 25, 2018 I’m sorry to read about the loss of your loved one. At times like this we all need some comfort. I gain that from John 5:28-29 where it promises us of a resurrection. A great time to look forward to.Bubba and Rose Ann Adcock
Rogers, AR Monday, September 24, 2018 Becke and Family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.The Snyders
, TX Monday, September 24, 2018 Our sincere condolences for your family's loss of Bill, praying that friends and family be comforted in knowing that the peace of God can support you all during this very difficult time as promised in the healing words of Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds.” May this peace bring back wonderful memories of Bill to help comfort and warm your hearts.With heartfelt prayers,
The Snyders
Wayne Fawcett
Paris, AR Monday, September 24, 2018 I met Billy when we were both High School Principals and continued our friendship into our various Superintendent positions. No question DC lost a great one, his passion for servant leadership was on display every single day he went to work. I shall miss my good friend. God speed Billy.Victor Hardaway Jr
Michigan City, IN Monday, September 24, 2018 I just wanted to say Coach William was more than a Coach to me. As a young man growing up in Fordyce i had a hard time,but my Coach would talk to me and reassured me that things are not as bad as they seem to be and don't add to my misery by doing something stupid,as he talked to me and let me remind you this was all done with that little smile he gives what i need y'all to know is that my Coach has a lot to do with the man i am today may God bless this family and ease their pain of this great loss my condolences to his family, close friends, Fordyce and where ever he wonder cause we all mourn for this awesome soul. Good bless the William's I love you Coach.Butch and Judy Selig
Benton, TX Monday, September 24, 2018 Becke and family,We are so saddened by the loss of Billy. He was such a fine man and will be missed by so very many. Please know you’re in our hearts and prayers at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Butch and Judy Selig
Adam Mills
Monticello, AR Saturday, September 22, 2018 To miss Becke His family, on behalf of the class of 2000at Monticello High school, we are very saddened by his loss. He was a great person Family man and personally to me he was much more than that. He got me my start with the Monticello Football program had me do the flags every day of my high school career and even asked me to do that at all football games at Monticello school district for many years. We are very grateful for his tenure and caring of students and his family. On behalf of my family, my fiancee and myself we send our deepest condolences and sympathies to yall. And as hes so fond of saying in that booming voice HOW BOUT THEM BILLIES. Once again on behalf of our class we extend our condolences and prayersKay McClain Worbington
Monticello, AR Saturday, September 22, 2018 Dear Becke, You and your family are in my prayers at your time of great loss. You have my condolences at this sad time.Sheila Borse
Monticello, AR Saturday, September 22, 2018 Our deepest sympathies from our family to yours in this time of loss. Mr. Williams and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.Jimmy & Donna Jones
Fordyce, AR Friday, September 21, 2018 We are so sorry for your loss. Billy was always such a good friend of ours. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.Becky Belvin
Fordyce, AR Friday, September 21, 2018 I was totally shocked to hear about Mr. Williams passing away. To Becke, Michael, and Thomas and families, you are in my prayers for God to wrap His Loving Arms around you like no one else can.Brenda Chisom
Monticello, AR Friday, September 21, 2018 Becke, I am so sorry for your loss. Billy will be greatly missed by all.Reasa Britt
Woodlawn, AR Friday, September 21, 2018 Words cannot express our sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Dale Knapp
Monticello, AR Friday, September 21, 2018 My sincere Condolences. Mr. Williams was a fine man and will he missed by so many. Praying for his family.Max Dyson
Magnolia, AR Friday, September 21, 2018 So sorry for your loss. We will all miss Billy. He and I go back a long ways in Education. I saw a gentle giant of a man who loved kids, loved his job and his family.I will miss my friend .
Kelvin Gragg
Dumas, AR Friday, September 21, 2018 I will miss my friend!!! My prayers go out to Mrs. Becke and the boys. May God continue to hold you in his arms.Kelvin
Nickie Owens
Rock Springs, AR Friday, September 21, 2018 This was such a shock, just want you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you. During his time at Woodlawn he was always helpful as a boss and has been a good friend ever since. He will definitely be missed, especially in the education community. Nickie Owens Woodlawn K-12 ArtMary Whiting
Monticello, AR Friday, September 21, 2018 Becke and Family,Billy affected so many lives during his career. I hope it gives you some comfort to know that his memory will live on. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during such a very difficult time.
Andrew James Werb
Wilmar, AR Friday, September 21, 2018 YOU will be MISSED Mr. Williams. Thanks for the opportunity to work under you here at Drew Central Schools.TA Cornish
Warren, AR Friday, September 21, 2018 My heart goes out to mr Williams an his family! I have a lot of memories of him an my daddy playing softball!! He was a great person to be around! His smile lit up a room! I’m so sorry to hear and your family will be in my prayers!!!! God bless you!!!Mr. Ramone Fisher
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 Thank you for your great service to every community to which you did a stellar job as a an educator to many people and also as an advisor to several friends of your family and long term friends and while being a great father to both my long term friends and your two sons both Thomas and Michael and also a great husband to your loving and amazing wife Becky Perkins Williams and your daughters in law. you will be greatly missed by everybody who met you and also who have great advice too over the years Rest in peace Billy you are on God's ranch now and ForeverCamile and Don Lenderman
Dover, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 Becke, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys and their families! May the peace of our Heavenly Father be with you! Camile and DonLinda Smith
Dunas, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 So sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I went to high school with Billy for about a year. He was always a very nice person!Klay & LaWanda McKinney
Warren, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.Patti and Donnie Bryant
Warren, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 Our sympathy, thoughts, and prayers to the family.Freddie McKinley
Crossett, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 I coached billy at hermitage his senior year great player competitor and most of all a super guy God bless Freddie mckinleyDavid and Karen Robinson
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 We are so sorry for your loss. We thought a lot of Mr. Billy and will always remember the impact he made on our lives. Praying for all of you during this very difficult time.Janice Cole
Aledo, TX Thursday, September 20, 2018 I pray for your family at this time of loss. Billy sounds like a wonderful man who was a blessing to those whose lives he touched and I'm sure will be greatly missed. I am fortunate to be a member of the choir at Aledo United Methodist Church under Thomas' direction, we will be making a donation in Billy's memory to the American Heart Association.Charles Carter
Maumelle, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 Mr. "Billy" was one of the best Superintendents I had the privilege of working with. He had a great heart for his students and always represented his District honorably. He will be greatly missed. His family, friends and co-workers will be in my prayers.Boyce and Barbara Davis
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 Praying for your family, so sorry for your loss.Ronnie & Betty
Fordyce, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 We are so sad to hear of Billy’s homegoing. We can’t be at the service due to being out of town. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers❤️❤️😘🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻Wilmot & Thelma Green
Warren, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 So sorry to hear this. May God keep you all in his loving arms and lead you through this time of sorrow.Cecil and Becky Rauls
Warren, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.Brian Canard
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 To the Williams family,Please accept my condolences for the loss of Mr. Williams. I pray for God's comfort and presence at this difficult time.
Brian Canard
Drew Central High School
Greg Williams
Eldorado, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 RIL Coach WilliamsCindy Luper
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 Mr. Williams will be dearly missed as our Captain at Drew Central Schools. He truly loved this school and his heart was always on the best interest of the students and the staff. He was always willing to do whatever it took to make Drew Central the best including sweeping the floors or serving plates. My prayers are with the family. May God bless you.Donna and Barrett Hunnicutt
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 Our prayers are with the family and the Pirate Nation. Mr. Williams was an amazing leader and made a major impact on Barrett. He will be greatly missed.Lewis and Debbie Hinkle
Pine Bluff, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 Mrs. Williams and Family,Lewis and I are praying for you knowing that your loss is so great. Mr. Williams was such a fine Christian man, his integrity and character admired. Truly, he was the best of the best. He was not only a boss but a friend. His leadership while I was at Woodlawn was wonderful. He pushed us to reach levels that still impact that district. I will never forget his prayers for us and the school before every meeting. That is not heard of much but he stood strong in his faith and that among other things made him such a successful administrator. Our prayers will continue for you into the days and weeks to come.
Dr. Sam Wherry
LITTLE ROCK, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 To Becke and members of the Family of Fellow Billy Williams:I, Dr. Sam Wherry on behalf of the Varsity Basketball Team 1969-73 University of Arkansas Monticello WEEVILS of our Beloved Fellow Teammate The Honorable Billy Williams the Par Excellence Accomplished Performance Assessment Superintendent of the Drew Central Schools District and Christian Gentleman.
Billy Williams was an outstanding Role Model Student Athlete of Honor and Integrity of which We are positive plus his passing from Mortality into Immortality leads him not into a State of Nothingness but an Open Door that Leads to Life Everlasting for he did his job so well that the Living, Dead or Unborn could not have did it any better.
Dr. Sam Wherry PhD and the 1969-1973 UAM WEEVILS MEN BASKETBALL TEAM.
Alvin and Irma James
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 To family ....our thoughts and prayers are with all. He will be missed. His works will always be remembered by many. Great guy. Love to allMaria Daniels
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 Becky, my prayers are with you and your family at this time. Maria DanielsBrady Armstrong
Warren, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 Ms. Becky I am so sad to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.David A Hopkins
Clarksville, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 So very sorry about your loss. Billy was a great guy and he left us too soon. From our prospective it is very hard to understand a situation like this. However, Gods timing and his plan for our lives is perfect. In due time we will understand, but for now we must trust God. I am praying that God brings peace and comfort to you during this troubling time. He was my very first principal when I was a student teacher embarking on my educational career. He became a good friend and colleague as I moved into school administration. I hold him in very high regard. He will be greatly missed.Valerie Thompson
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Valerie ThompsonChris, Elizabeth, Seth, Faith (I/M) & Cayden Reed
, AR Thursday, September 20, 2018 Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time.Mike Williams
Puyallup, WA Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Love you DadBart Langford
Mabelvale, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Billy and I met in high school playing basketball against each other. Our paths crossed several times. A lot in Fordyce. Had a lot of great times. He will be missed by many of us. My prayers for all .of you. May God bless you!!I sign myself as one of Billy's friends.. Bart Langford
Jason Evers
Manila, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.Jeff and Terri Longing
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Mr. Williams was an important person in our lives. He was my mentor at Monticello and Woodlawn while I progressed through my graduate programs. He and Ms. Williams kept our kids on occasion and gave many of our squirrels a home. Mr. Williams will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms. Williams and the rest of the family.Gloria Rawls Schwab
Bentonville, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Becke and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. Hugs and prayers for peace and comfort.Selena Collier
, SD Wednesday, September 19, 2018 A great loss for family, friends, and community. We will be praying for you and your family.Wanda Van Dyke
, TX Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Prayers for peace and comfort.Floyd/Leta Taylor
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2018 We are deeply saddened by the sudden death of a highly-regarded friend in Billie Williams. Having seen him earlier in the day, it's hard to believe he's no longer with us. Our hearts go out to Becky and the boys. Be assured of our prayers, that you will feel God's presence, comfort, and love during this time.Charley& Beverly Rauls
Hermitage, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2018 So very sad to hear this news. He was a good friend and great person,he will be missed.Kim & David Hoffman
Roland, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Becke, Thomas, Mike and Families,We are so saddened to hear of Billy’s passing. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by everyone that knew him. Sending lots of hugs and prayers. Love you all.
Rose Gavin
Rison, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2018 He set such high standards at our school while he was superintendent at Woodlawn. He was kind, thoughtful and really cared about the staff and our school! He will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rose GavinLinda Wells
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Prayers for all the familyStephanie Harper
Star City, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2018 To the Williams Family:You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of loss. Mr. Billy was a wonderful educator and person to know. May the Lord be with you and keep you through this tough time.
Bobby & Pamela Acklin
North Little Rock, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Mrs. Williams and family, just know we are praying for you. It has saddened our hearts to receive this news. Remembering earth has no sorrow heaven can’t heal. He is my friend.Bobby & Pamela Acklin
Pamela Castor
Harrisburg, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.Crowley's Ridge Cooperative
Darrell and Linda Harvey
Warren, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2018 So sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with y’all during this sad time.David Kellogg
Springdale, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Prayers for Billy's family. My friendship with Billy dates back to his time in Fordyce when I was in El Dorado.Dr. Stephanie Nehus
Hot Springs, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2018 On behalf of myself and the Hot Springs School District, we send our sympathy to the Williams Family as well as the Drew Central Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.Monticello
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2018 To the Williams family we are thinking about your family during this time he will be missed I knew him while my kids was going to Drew centralDanny and Brenda Adair
Warren, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Sorry for your loss. Your family are in our thoughts and prayers.Timothy Taylor
Star City, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2018 I remember him when he was working at Woodlawn, he was a really cool dude. Had one hell of a handshake too. He's gonna be missed. I'm glad I got the chance to meet him.ladonna dodson
monticello, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2018 prayers to this family Mr Billy was a great man an im proud to have known him in the last few years he has done alot for our school district an was working on more he will ne missed!MARK L HAYNES
MONTICELLO, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2018 ANITA WILLIAMS & FAMILY: ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS AT 1ST STATE BANK M& P BRANCH IN WARREN SEND OUR SINCERE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO YOU. MAY OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN GIVE YOU PEACE AND COMFORT AT THIS TIME.