Garry was born on August 8, 1943 to Virgil and Betty Williams in Anadarko, OK. He was welcomed by his big brother, Leslie Joe, who he idolized. The family lived in a mobile home so they could travel at a moment’s notice to the next well site Virgil would be drilling. Garry attended four schools in the first grade, and a total of 19 before graduating from Smackover High School in 1961. After being the baby for 9 years, Garry was invaded by a little brother when Freddie was born. The family moved to Smackover in 1960, built a home and truly set down roots.
Garry loved Smackover. The first summer he made lots of friends and was introduced to the Ouachita River, squirrel hunting, speeding in Daddy’s car and a whole new way of life. He grew to love the outdoors and found deer hunting, fishing, and sports. His Dad wouldn’t allow his boys to play football so Garry tried tennis, league basketball and in later years, golf.
Garry had two wonderful children, Kristi and Jeff. Many years later, Kenna Crumpler became Garry’s wife and Matt was born, 18 years after Jeff and the same year Kristi’s daughter, Leta was born. To Garry’s great pleasure, Jeff excelled in football and track, and Kristi was a cheerleader. Supporting the kids was his great joy, and when Matt played golf for SHS, Garry gave him all his fatherly advice and encouragement. He loved his family, especially the babies.
Garry was working at Great Lakes when he was offered a job in oil field sales. He soon found he was a great salesman. He made friends of his customers and took great pride in what he did. Several other sales and management jobs followed. Garry was the proverbial guy who can sell ice to Eskimos. Finally, Garry became a Shelter Insurance agent until his retirement in 2012.
Garry and Kenna were fortunate to travel to Canada, Mexico, Alaska, and many other states, and enjoyed a wide circle of friends. Garry was a member of First United Methodist Church of Smackover and Pine Grove Deer Camp, held offices at Smackover Chamber of Commerce and Pine Hills Golf Club, and was a supporter of the NRA and AMNR. He was a 32nd degree Mason.
Preceding him in death are his parents; his brother, Leslie Joe; and infant great-granddaughter, Isla Grace Johnson.
Survivors include his wife, Kenna; his children Kristi, Jeff (Missy), and Matt (Jessica) Williams; and his brother, Freddie Williams.
Fourteen grandchildren, Leta Johnson (Kurt), Jeff Hedges (Brendan), Kelly Thompson (Paul), Taylor (Emily), Courtney and Wilson Williams, Mitch Hoggard and Ballard Proffer, Mason, Maddox and Beau Williams, Aaden McMurry, Riley Born and Maddex Jones.
Nine Great-grandchildren, Cayden Alexander, Tatum Mooney, Carter Johnson, Cade Williams, Jayden, Ryan and Kinley Smith, Olivia Thompson and Weston Johnson.
Visitation at 1 pm in the Fellowship Hall will be followed by a Memorial service at 2 pm on Wednesday, June 25 at Smackover First United Methodist Church, 500 West 7th Street, Smackover, AR 71762.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Smackover, PO Box 43, Smackover, AR 71762 or to the donor’s choice.
Cremation services provided by Youngs Funeral Directors of El Dorado, AR.
Online condolences may be made at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
