ROLLA-LONO — A.J. Williams, 99,

of Rolla-Lono, Ark., passed away January 12, 2021. He was born on January 17, 1921, to the late Arthur and Emma Williams of Rolla-Lono. A.J. is preceded in death by his wife, Ella Voss, his parents, three brothers, Roy, Waymon, Bill and one sister, Marcell Heinley; and a grandson, Tre’ Williams.

A.J. married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life Ella, they were married for 59 years and had four children, Paula Simmons, Judy Whitis, Cookie Elmer and Jay Williams. They had eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

A.J. served in the United States Navy from June, 1942 to November, 1945. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he attended college at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture and a Master of Science Degree In 1949 and 1951. He worked for the Arkansas Extension Service for several years before starting a career with the Malvern School District as a 7th and 8th grade science teacher. During the years of teaching, he worked as a cotton scout in Forrest City in the summer months to provide for his family. Dad’s favorite hobby his whole life was hard work, and he never complained! We were blessed to have him as a “dad” and “papaw” and we will miss him every day!

Services will be Thursday, January 14, at the Lono Cemetery. Graveside service for family and friends will be at 1 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to Atkinson Funeral Home. All condolences and tributes can be made at www.atkinsonfuneral.net