I wish to pay tribute to the life and achievements of a constituent from my congressional district who was not only the father of a close friend, but also a respected citizen of South Arkansas, Joe Williams, Jr., who passed away recently at the age of 66. 

Joe Williams, Jr. was born in the southern Arkansas town of Sparkman in 1935.  At a young age, he joined the Harmony Baptist Church in the nearby community of Pine Grove. After attending Sparkman Training School, Joe spent time as a young adult living in Kansas City, Missouri, and Dallas, Texas, before returning home to Pine Grove, where he became an invaluable member of the community.  

As a young man, he was first employed by the International Paper Company and then by the Taylor Gin Company as a truck driver and a farmer.  He later held jobs with Georgia Pacific Corporation as a jitney driver as well as St. Clair Rubber Company as a press operator before retiring to his beloved country farm in Pine Grove.

Joe led an active and productive life, yet he always put his family first.   He maintained a strong commitment to the church and took an active role in local politics in Dallas County.  When he wasn’t working or serving his community, he liked to spend time hunting, fishing, working on and collecting automobiles, gardening, or working with his farm tractor.  

Joe Williams, Jr. will long be remembered for his dedication to his family, his work, and his community.  His passing is a great loss not only to those who knew him well, but to all of South Arkansas.  My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Elzadie, his sons, Stanley and Stacy, and all his family and friends.