John David Williams Jr. May 20, 1947 – August 27, 2020

John David Williams Jr. of DeValls Bluff departed this life at the age of 73. David was born on in Pine Bluff, and was a 1964 graduate of Humphrey High School, where he was a self-proclaimed basketball star. He went on to join the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged when his baby sister was battling leukemia. David was employed by the Cotton Belt Railroad until his retirement. He was an avid sportsman, who loved deer, coon, and turkey hunting and fishing. David married the love of his life, Marty Williams, on November 29, 1969 and to this union two children were born.

True happiness came when David became a Poppa. His grandkids were his life and he nicknamed them all. He never missed a sporting or school event, and when his family needed anything, Poppa was only a phone call away. He could fix or build anything. Poppa is often described as one-of-a-kind. Many people have commented that they loved to listen to him at ballgames. If you sat close enough to him, you quickly realized that he had a “special understanding” and good rapport with the umpires. If he aggravated you, that meant that he loved you. Later in life Poppa enjoyed playing Texas Hold ’em with a group of people he considered friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, J.D. Williams Sr.; stepfathers J.W. Kuhn and Beau Flanery; and sisters, Jeanette Williams and Betty Ann Williams. David is survived by his mother, Anna Belle Flanery; his wife of 33 years and best friend, Marty Williams; daughter, Lisa (Phillip) Martin of Brinkley; son, Davy (Angie) Williams of DeValls Bluff; grandchildren, Jade (Levi) Fleming, Kelby Martin, Bryce (Elaina) Sims, Brenon (Abby) Williams, Brayden Williams, and Brance Williams; great-grandchildren, Eden Sims, Garner Sims, and Madden Fleming; sister, Debbie (Curtis) Ahrens; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Services were held at the DeValls Bluff Community Center in DeValls Bluff on August 31.