Roger Craig Williams Sr.

Craig Williams passed away peacefully at home on May 31, 2017 with his family by his side. Craig was born in Fitzhugh, Ark. on January 17, 1932 - smack in the middle of The Great Depression. Times were tough and farm living contributed to Craig's tenacious spirit to succeed along with working in the family hardware store in Augusta, Ark. Roger and Aileen Williams were his parents, and Craig lost his mother at the tender age of 14. Craig persevered and helped on the family farm during his teenage years and began dating his future bride, Rachel, at the age of 14. They both went on to attend the University of Arkansas with Rachel working in the housing office to help with the bills. Rachel has truly been his best friend, partner and wingman. Craig graduated from the University and joined the Air Force with aspirations to be a pilot. He was devastated to find out he was color blind and became a self-proclaimed "desk jockey" as a supply officer. After the service, he managed the family hardware store, later becoming an insurance adjuster. He started his own insurance firm, Craig Williams Company, as an independent insurance salesman. In 1992, Craig retired from his insurance business and continued to acquire, improve, and mange farmland and real estate, with farming a true passion in life- a legacy of which he was quite proud. Craig and Rachel raised two boys, Roger Craig Williams Jr. and Blake Haralson Williams. Family life included hundreds of trips to Lake Ouachita, where Craig taught countless kids to water ski and bought a lot of fuel! When Craig was not working or at the lake, he could be found in the Cache River Bottoms hunting ducks. His hail call could be heard for over a mile on the river and he was an excellent shot. Craig is predeceased by his sister, Julia Black. He is survived by Rachel Williams of Little Rock, his wife of 63 years, son, Roger Craig Williams Jr. (Pam) of Little Rock, son, Blake Williams (Lisa) of Denver, Colo.; grandson, Webb Williams (18) of Little Rock, nephews, Barry Snell and Whit Snell of San Antonio, Texas; and David Black of Birmingham, Ala. Craig was a member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Craig's honor to the Humane Society of Pulaski County, 14600 Colonel Glenn Rd, Little Rock, Ark. 72210. A memorial service will be held in Ruebel Funeral Home's chapel on Friday, June 2, 2017 at 2 p.m. There will be a reception to follow at Ruebel. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.