John R. Williams and Dora Scott of Portia, Arkansas were united in matrimony at Portia, Arkansas on August 24, 1886. Rev. H. C. Moore, Portia, Arkansas officiated and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jefferson Scott and Miss Jennie Scott were witnesses.

J. R. Williams was born December 17, 1852,, at Stover, Missouri and died March 12, 1939 at his home in Garner. He came to Arkansas in early boyhood. Was married August 24, 1866 to Miss Dora Scott of Portia, Arkansas. To them were born nine children, six of whom with his wife survive him. They are: Walter and LeRoy of Garner, Paul of Gurdon, Mrs. Marie Neel of Benton, Mrs. Rena Dye of Portia, and Mrs. W.C. Dodd of Bald Knob. Besides these, he leaves seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and one sister, Mrs. J. C. Taylor of California.
In early manhood, Mr. Williams taught school, then became connected with the Frisco and Missouri Pacific Railroad as operator, serving more than 50 years. He came to Garner as operator and served here until about 10 years ago when he was retired from active service.
He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 64 years. For 30 years a member of the Order of American Telegraphers.
He was instrumental in the establishing of the present Methodist church here. He, it was, who cleared the title to the property and then gave it to the conference.
He was truly a devoted christian, always at his post of duty.
though for several years poor health has made him more or less a shut-in, he was always ready with a word of encouragement and council for those who sought him.
He was progressive in ideals and keptpace with the world happenings by reading, and yet his simplicity and Christ-like life won foir him the respect and admiration of all.
Funeral services were conducted from the church here with the J.Rudolph Chandler Funeral Home in charge.
Three of his former pastors J. M. Hughes, J. M. Talkington and R. E. Lee all paid fitting tribute to his memory in their talks.
Special songs were rendered. A quartet composed of Mrs. Flete Ernest, MRs. Gail Durham, Bun Ferguson of McRae, and W. J. Leach of Garner, sang "The Last Mile Of The Way". with Miss Sarah Frances Herring of McRae at the piano.
Mrs. Annie Ballentine and Guy Stewart sang,"There's Nothing Between," with Miss Virginia Bevill, accompanying.
The room where his body lay in state for several hours was a vertitable bower of flowers. Pall bearers were Elmer Duncan, Mark Sloan, Robert Gowan, Walter Goss, Connie Dubose and J. S. Pennington.
Friends were present from Benton, Portia, Gurdon, Little Rock, Searcy, McRae, Lebanon, Copperas Springs, Vinity and Higginson. Interment was in Lebanon Cemetary.
A poem, "Death again as come" signed a friend, Mrs. Vera Bone apparently was read at the funeral. Vera also may have written the poem.

Death again has bereft us,
Again we've said "good-bye,"
Another friend has left us
To live with Him on high.

Our friend is only sleeping
Then why be sad today?
In God's eternal keeping
The soul is safe for aye.

There'll come a time of meeting
where all is joy and love,
and soon we shall be greeting
This friend again above.

All clouds of care shall vanish
All shorrow pass away
For God the night will banish
And give unending day.


Card of Thanks

We wish to take this means to thank all who in any way helped us in the recent illness and death of our dear husband and father.
Especially do we wish to remember, Dr. Rogers, Reverends J. M. Hughes, J. M. Talkington and R. E. Lee and the ladies who so graciously prepared meals for us that day.
The beautiful foral offering also much appreciated. May God bless each of you is our prayer.
Mrs. J. R. Williams
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Williams
Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy Williams
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Williams and a daughter
Mr. and Mrs. F.H. Neel and son
Mrs. W.C. Dodd and family
Mrs. Rena Dye and family