Arthur Lee "Bill" Williford was born to the union of Jasper and Alberta (Farr) Williford on
April 19, 1938 in Poplar Grove, Arkansas. He was the youngest of eight children.

Bill confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized at First Baptist Church of
Poplar Grove. He graduated from M.M. Tate High School in Marvell, Arkansas. On November 9,
1958, at the tender age of 20, he married the love of his life, Annie B. Porter. For the next 60+
years, they journeyed through life, gaining strength for the journey from their love for God and
each other. As their young family grew, they became the parents of six children.

Anyone who was acquainted with Bill might have thought that working was his hobby –
because he really loved to work! He joined the staff of Helena Hospital where he served as an
Orderly (CNA) for more than 35 years. While he worked there, he also worked at Crest Park
Nursing Home and was a home caretaker. He always had a hammer hanging from somewhere
on his clothes, and he was always building something (although he was not a very good
carpenter). If he had his way, he would duct tape an entire house! (We can hear his infectious
laugh as we think of him reading that!) Even after he retired, he loved going into the woods to cut
trees for firewood. He loved dressing and was a very sharp dresser. When he received
compliments about how sharp he was, he would just smile. (There's that infectious laugh!)

Then, God called him to preach - adding another "work" to his already full plate. In the
early hours on any given morning, he could be found diligently studying his Bible and then
paying the bills – which accounted for his excellent credit. He served as pastor at Tucker's Grove
Baptist Church. But his ministry reached far beyond the church. He loved the Lord, he loved
preaching and singing, and he would go on for hours talking God's goodness.

Bill had a heart for God and for God's people. He and Annie B. lovingly raised several of
their grandchildren. He would give anyone a ride, and it didn't matter how far they were going.
When he was not working, he would work the concession stands at all his children's games and
would attend all extracurricular activities with them. Not only was he the protector and provider
for his family, but he was also an excellent listener who answer calls for advice at any hour. He
taught his children and grandchildren the value of hard work early in their lives. And every
grandchild received his signature 'oatmeal with salt and pepper' for breakfast at 5 a.m. (There's
that infectious laugh again!)

On January 21, 2022, God said, "Bill, come home." He answered and went home to rest
in His presence, joining brothers, Jasper, Jesse and Leo; sisters, Rose, Alma and Izell; sons Leo
and Yancy, and daughter, Melissa "Gayle".

Those left with cherished memories are his loving wife of 63 years, Annie B.; three
daughters, Barbara (Curtis) Maeweather and Cynthia (Earl) Hunter, both of Pine Bluff, Arkansas
and Billie Jean (Michael) Williams of Jacksonville, Arkansas; a sister, Willie Mae Davis of Barton,
Arkansas; 11 grandchildren; Montorie (Clifton) Westmoreland, Nicholas Williford Johnson,
Derrick (Clemesia) Johnson, Charlita (Isaiah) Williford, Dominek Rainey, Corey Williford,
Shardae Williford, Rashard Williford, Danielle Williams, Yancy Williford, Jr. and Corinthian
Graves; 17 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A funeral service for Mr. Bill Williford will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Poplar Grove Baptist Church with burial to follow at Poplar Grove Cemetery.  A visitation service with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m, Saturday at the church.