J.N Williams III

J.N. Williams III was born in Ft. Smith, Arkansas on October 3, 1934 to J.N. and Lena Kate Williams. J.N. grew up in Magnolia, Arkansas where he attended Southern Arkansas University and later attended Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri for Dental School. Upon graduation from Dental School he enlisted in service to our nation at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi and served as an officer during the Vietnam War. While there he met and married his recently deceased wife of 64 years, Gail Williams, and they had three children. The couple later moved to Magnolia, Arkansas where J.N. started his dental practice. There, he devoted himself to the Lord Jesus Christ, family and community for many years. Upon retirement, J.N. and wife Gail moved to Dallas where they became active members in their church and community and served tirelessly to help others. J.N. had a great passion for thinking about heaven and the kingdom of God, and wrote 6 books finishing his last book only months ago at the age of 91! He loved to write and teach on the subject of salvation and God’s plan for the ages, frequently teaching Bible Studies in the churches he attended. He was a member of Cottonwood Creek Church in Dallas, Texas where he served faithfully as a deacon for many years. He also served with organizations Meals on Wheels and 1-88-NEEDHIM among others to provide services for those in need. J.N. and his wife Gail went on many trips both domestically and abroad over a span of decades to give free dental care for those who could not afford it. He deeply impacted his family and friends with the way he lived his life for others. Accordingly, he was the first recipient of the Cottonwood Creek Church Agape Class ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his tireless service to others. J.N. is preceded in death by his lovely wife Gail, siblings Charles Williams, Lena Merle Rucknagel, Dona Furr and beloved granddaughter Lauren Williams. He is survived by his children Jeffrey (Jan), Steve (Karen), and Melissa Helm (Rodney); and grandchildren: Erin (Jeffrey), Anna (Jacob), Joshua (Rebekah), Joah (Caroline), Nathan (Tori), Jess (Jessie), Sara (Jacob), Audrey, Judson, Gracen (Ronin), and Caroline. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren: Elijah, Ezra, Josiah, Ford, Levi, Hudson, Judah and two great-grand baby twins on the way, as well as his brother-in-law Leon Felts, spouse Dell and sister-in-law Lorita Gay. J.N. sought to lead others to a saving knowledge of and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He truly lived this out on a daily basis. Though not perfect, he would admit his need for Jesus to help him navigate life. He had a wonderful sense of humor including many corny jokes and was always able to find the silver lining in circumstances. He was fond of football and mostly his Arkansas Razorbacks, good BBQ, writing, speaking and research. More importantly, he wanted others to consider God’s amazing Character and Grace. To accept John 17:3, “And this is Eternal Life, that they may know Thee, the only True God and Jesus Christ Whom Thou hast sent.” Also, to continually test that knowledge by John 4:8, “The one who does not love does not know God, for God is Love.” His greatest desire was to “lift up the cross of the Lord Jesus, knowing many would come to Him” The family will be having a private memorial service to honor their father. All prayers are greatly appreciated.

Tributes

J.N Williams III

October 3, 1934 - January 3, 2026