Joseph Williams

Joseph E. Williams, 82, of Bronte, Texas formerly of Donaldson, passed from this life on Monday, September 22, 2008 at a San Angelo, Texas hospital. Joe was a World War II paratrooper, a commercial fisherman, a retiree of Ford Motor Company, a cattleman, an avid hunter and above all a devoted family man. Joe was born October 20, 1925 to Jesse James Williams and Gladys O'Neal Williams. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 25 years, Grace Ritter Williams; daughter, Shari Cameron; grandchildren, Judy Ritter Hunt and Scott Ritter; great-grandchild, Kyle Shelton; and brother, Edsel Williams. Joe is survived by his wife, Gloria Williams and her children, Rhonda Moore and husband, Mark; Heidi Mertz and husband, Mike all of Bronte, TX; and Dan Kicker and wife, Jamie of Aurora, CO; sons and daughters: Murl Ritter and wife, Wanda of Antioch; Harry Ritter of Malvern; Margie Treadway and husband, Norm of New DeRoche; Wayne Ritter and wife, Bonnie of Antioch; Mary McDaniel of Malvern; Joyce Smith and husband, Ritchie of New DeRoche; and Tony Ritter and wife, Judy of Antioch; brothers: Ramsey Williams and wife, Nelva of Russellville; Kenneth Williams and Barb of Hot Springs; Don Ray Williams and wife, Reba of Redmond, OR; sisters: Adelle Spears and husband, Oscar of Malvern; Mary Lou Douglas and husband, Chester of Hot Springs; and Sue Mitchell and husband, J.D. of Malvern. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Jaime Hayes and husband, Arthur and their children, Arthur, Nicholas, Maddie, and Jack of California. Joe also leaves 17 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren who will cherish wonderful memories made with their Grandpa Joe. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 25th from 6:00 until 8:00P.M. at Atkinson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00A.M. Friday, September 26th at Atkinson Funeral Home Chapel with Joe's brother, Ramsey Williams, and his grandson, Keith Ritter officiating. Burial will follow in Lone Hill Cemetery in Oak Grove. Pallbearers are Murl Ritter, Harry Ritter, Wayne Ritter, Tony Ritter, Ken Mitchell, Dennis Mitchell, Ron Williams, and David Williams. Honorary pallbearers are Kenneth Williams, Don Ray Williams, Sonny Hall and Kerry Hall. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Lone Hill Cemetery Association. Arrangements are under the direction of Atkinson Funeral Home of Malvern, Arkansas. (501)332-2711. You may sign the guestbook at www.atkinsonfuneralhome.net

Joseph Williams

October 20, 1925 - September 22, 2008