Roger Gene Williams

Roger Gene Williams, 83, of Searcy, died Sunday, April 17. He was born June 28, 1927 in Kensett, Arkansas, the son of D.P. and Bertha Williams. Mr. Williams was a graduate of the Kensett High School and the College of the Ozarks, Pharmacy School. He was an active member of the Arkansas Pharmacist Association, having served as president in 1968, and was currently serving on the Political Action Committee of that association. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church where he served as treasurer for many years. He was also a board member of the New Hope Industries for 39 years; a past member of the Alumni Board of the College of the Ozarks; and a Past President of the Searcy Chamber of Commerce. He was a long time member of the Searcy Kiwanas Club, having received his 50 year award in 2002. He was selected as the Arkansas Pharmacist of the Year in 1997, was the Civitan Club Citizen of the Year in 1975, and was selected for the Arkansas Drug Travelers Association King of Courtesy Award in 1964, 1965, and 1972. Mr. Williams owned and operated the Stotts Drug Store in Searcy for over 50 years. He is survived by his son, Lindsey Williams and his wife Patti of Searcy; his daughter, Nancy Showalter and her husband Roy of Searcy; four grandchildren, Parker Showalter of Magnolia, Emily and Ryan Williams of Searcy, and Anna Claire Showalter of Searcy; a brother-in-law, John Stotts and his wife, Carolyn of Little Rock and a sister-in-law, Marjorie Williams of Kensett. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Virginia Williams; a sister, Bonnie Stewart; a brother, D.P. "Buddy" Williams; and a granddaughter, Caroline Showalter. Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 19 at the first United Methodist church of Searcy. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.