Arthur Dewayne Williams, Sr., was called “Dewayne” in this neck of the woods, “Willy” and “Chief” in the Navy, “Art” to many others, and called Friend by all who knew him. After a two-year battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma Cancer, Jesus claimed an angel. When Dewayne went to Jesus, he was in his home, surrounded by family and loved ones on December 8, 2024.
Dewayne was born in Mountain View, Missouri, to Arthur Williams and Emma Jean Lourance-Harris on July 14, 1954.
He was preceded in death by his parents; baby sister, Jane; his granddaughter, Sabrina; nephew, Michael; and brother-in-law, David Fletcher.
Dewayne is survived by his wife, Joyce Gentry; sons, Arthur Williams, Jr (Cali), David Williams (Jennie), and Stephen Thomas (Monica); daughters, Liza (his punkin) Justice, (Jamie), Olivia Buitron, and Nicole Buitron; 20 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; his brother, Roy Collins; sisters, Rebecca Dorado, Beverly Brooks, and Cathy Fletcher; and a whole bunch of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He became brother, grandpa, uncle, cousin to all of Joyce’s family and many others, And brothers and sisters in Christ. He commented about how blessed he was to be loved by such a large family. He loved each and every one of you.
Dewayne enlisted into the United States Navy in October 1972 and happily served his country for 23 years. Retired in 1995 as Chief Petty Officer. He had three loves, Jesus, his family (that included his extended family), and his country. He said when you gave that oath to serve and protect, it wasn’t just for the period that you were in the service, but for life. After retirement, he worked at Columbus MS Air Force Base as an Aviation Electrician Instructor and retired again.
He was an amazing man, a great father, Pawpaw, and friend. He will be greatly missed by all.
His love of Jesus was evident in all he did. He used to say that he loved to “Gerald Randolph” anyone that he could get cornered so he could teach them about Jesus.
Rest in peace, Sir. Your duties have now come to an end. Stand at ease, Sailor. Your tour is over.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 13, 2024, at New Testament Church of Jesus Christ, Winona, Missouri, with Pastor Troy McAfee officiating under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Winona. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12-1:00 p.m. also at the church. Interment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Mountain View, Missouri. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
