Jefferson “Wayne” Williams Sr., age 91, longtime resident of Texarkana, Arkansas and Texas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Mr. Williams was born April 12, 1935 in Sheridan, Arkansas and lived in Texarkana most of his life. He was a fun and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend to many. A member of Beech Street First Baptist Church since 1965, he served as Chairman of the Deacon Board, taught multiple Sunday School classes, participated in VBS events (He was chosen to be a giant due to his 6’5” stature!), mission trips, youth camps, and more for over forty years. He was always good for a firm handshake and had a piece of candy in his pocket to share with any young person brave enough to shake his hand. Wayne always tried to use his many talents to serve the Lord: he led Bible studies, taught Sunday school, worked in the Friendship Center and even shared his woodworking talents. Many families at Beech Street FBC received a beautifully handcrafted wooden block toy wagon for their newborn baby. Wayne retired from Texarkana College where he taught Physical Education, Health and Fitness Classes and multiple sports for over 30 years. At one point in his career, he promised he would give a student an A in racquetball if they beat him. To the best of his family’s knowledge, no one ever succeeded. (Please step forward if you did!)

Wayne led his son, Jeff’s, Boy Scout Troop for many years, culminating in a trip to Philmont Boy Scout Ranch in New Mexico, a trip he repeated years later with his grandsons, Owen and Asa, when he was in his 70s. He also served on the board of the Arkansas Baptist Children and Family Ministry, a mission that was always close to his heart. 

Wayne is preceded in death by his wife of sixty-five years, Beth Williams of Texarkana, Arkansas. He is survived by one son, Jeff Williams and his wife Susan of Colville, Washington and one daughter, Jennifer Baugh and her husband Joey Baugh of Rison, Arkansas; nine grandchildren: Owen Williams of Port Angeles, Washington, Asa Williams of Chesapeake, Virginia, Clary Baugh of Cocolalla, Idaho, Laura Biasca of Taipei, Taiwan, Bethany Holda of Banner, Illinois, David Baugh of Belmopan, Belize, Katie Jo Sibert of Noel, Missouri, Abel Baugh of Cocolalla, Idaho and Mary Howard of Pine Bluff , Arkansas; twenty-one great-grandchildren and a host of friends and other relatives. A celebration of Mr. Williams's life will be held at Beech Street First Baptist Church, at a date to be determined. Burial will be at Memorial Gardens, Texarkana, Arkansas. 

Memorials may be made to Watersprings Ranch, 7707 Sanderson Lane, Texarkana, Arkansas 71854 waterspringsranch.org or to Arkansas Baptist Children's Home & Families Ministries, 10 Remington Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204. abcfm.org