of West Memphis, AR
August 8, 1941 - December 28, 2025
Lee Roy Williams, devoted husband, loving father, and doting Paw Paw, became whole again in the arms of his Heavenly Father on December 28, 2025.
Life wasn't complicated to Lee Roy; things were right or wrong, and he believed you should do the right thing. If you passed someone, you spoke. If you were going to do something, you did it the best you could. If you were going out to eat, you needed to bring a pocket full of Sweet'N Low.
He believed that his word and his name meant something, and he strived to make sure his name was synonymous with integrity, hard work, kindness, and a man of God. When Lee Roy spoke, you knew to listen. And what he couldn't say, he communicated by example how to lead with humility, love deeply, and show up when it matters most.
Lee Roy had many hobbies throughout his life, some more conventional than others. He was an avid sports fan, particularly baseball. He spent many years coaching little league before transitioning into a proud sideline fan. Lee Roy's heart was in nature. He enjoyed weekends at Lake Poinsett, riding slowly over the water and fishing with his family. Later in life, he could be found sitting on his front porch for hours a day, waving at the neighbors as they passed. Playfully, Lee Roy also spent many hours UFO hunting with his children and close friends during the 1980s.
Lee Roy met the love of his life, Linda Higginbotham, while in high school. Crazy in love, the two used a "tacky" costume party as an excuse to elope and were married in a small living room ceremony. Their marriage of over 62 years was the partnership you want for yourself: one full of love, laughter, forgiveness, and unwavering devotion.
Lee Roy's two children, Cindy and Scott, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren remember him as an involved and adoring Daddy and Paw Paw, who expressed affection through games of catch, slipping crisp dollar bills into their hands, and ensuring their cars were up¬-to-date on maintenance. During family holidays, you could find Lee carving the turkey, sneaking a peanut butter chewie, and opening his presents before it was time.
The son of a poor sharecropper, Lee Roy knew the value of an honest day's work and took his role as provider seriously. He spent over 50 years as a butcher before his health forced him to retire. His family has fond memories of visiting Lee Roy at Big Star, where he would show them around to his colleagues with pride. Even after retirement, he enjoyed trips to the store to see old friends.
Lee Roy was generous, but in the humblest of ways. If he had a way to help someone, whether that was changing a stranger's tire or loading up plates of food to deliver to coworkers during the holidays, he did it, and he never expected anything in return. When it came to his family, he never hesitated to put their needs above his own in order to give them a better life.
Faith played an incredibly important part of Lee Roy's life. He was a longtime member of Avondale Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher, and member of the choir. His family takes comfort in knowing that he is resting in the care of his Savior, with his memories restored and reunited with the love of his life.
Lee Roy's legacy will not only be the life he lived, but the lives he helped shape through sacrifice, laughter, quiet strength, and unconditional love. These include his daughter Cynthia Edwards; his son, Scott Williams; his grandchildren Brittany Edwards, (Christopher Ishmael), Keith Edwards (Regan), John Williams (Samantha Heckley), and Greyson Edwards; and great-grandchildren Enzo, Ike, Dean, Eleanor, Faye, Theo, and Adler.
Visitation will be held at 11:00 am on January 3, 2026, at Roller Citizens Funeral Home in West Memphis, with services to follow at 12:00 pm with burial at Crittenden Memorial Park in Marion.. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, so that one day, families can be spared the pain of losing their loved ones twice.
Sign Guestbook
13 Condolence(s)
Tim Espinoza
Sunday, January 11, 2026
What a great man he was , super nice to everyone, did so much for the Community and his family and his savior has him now, RIP Lee Roy 🙏
Jess N Bonds II
Friday, January 9, 2026
I’m am so very sorry to hear of his passing. my very deepest sympathy to his family.
Connie Cooper
Monday, January 5, 2026
Family, My heart aches for you in the loss of LeeRoy. He and Linda go back to our kids being in school together and loved by many! Prayers for you all.
Jerry Shipley
Monday, January 5, 2026
My prayers and condolences to the family and a world of friends that Mr.Leroy had.
As a distributor of Pancho's dip for 17 years, I came in contact with Mr. Leroy at least twice a week as he allowed us to store the refrigerated dips in his meat cooler.
I always enjoyed his stories of playing ball in his youth days in Parkin and all the players that were in that time frame including many friends from my home town of Forrest City.
He talked about the Lake Poinsett trips and how relaxing those days were.
I head many stories of him taking his grandson to see the Atlanta Braves and how they met the players and got autograph balls.
Mr.Leroy was never without a cup of coffee in his hand, a big smile or a good story to tell.
A great God loving person, we can cherish the thought that he is enjoying life in Heaven.
Allen Turner
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Cindy,Scott and family Im sorry to hear of the passing of your father. He coached me in babe Ruth ball and we lived down the street from each other. He was a very kind man Rest in peace Coach Williams you were a positive influence in my life.
Roger Atkins
Friday, January 2, 2026
I grew up around Earle and can’t remember a time I didn’t know Lee Roy. I would go to Big Star just to visit with him for years My parents also loved him. Heaven has received a special person who is a wonderful addition to those already there. Your dad, granddad,uncle or friend will be missed here on earth but you know he is resting in peace. You are in our prayers !
Tommy Ramer
Thursday, January 1, 2026
Prayers for Ms. Linda and family. I’ve always cherished Coach Williams as my Kiwanis Little League Coach , he made me an All-Star…RIP Coach ..
Scott simmons
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Leroy was a kind and generous man he gave me a job working in the meat dept which I enjoyed my time I had with him. He will be missed
Freda Chambliss
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
So sorry to hear of Leroy’s passing! Good memories of him and his sweet family! May God give peace and comfort at this time of sadness!
Freda Chambliss
Tommie & Bonnie Cordell
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
We were so sorry to hear of Lee Roy’s passing. We loved both your mom and dad. He is in his Heavenly home reunited with his loved ones! God bless you and your family. Tommie & Bonnie Cordell
Phoebe Pannell
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Sorry for your loss. I worked with Leroy at Big Star in the 80’s. Always smiling and laughing. Good guy.
stella lee ward
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Heaven just got sweeter. Now Lee Roy and Gene can sing the Light House all they want too. Wonderful memories we made together as a family.
Ernest Byerly
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Please accept our condolences on Lee Roy's passing.
He and Linda were neighbors and friends for over 60 years.
RIP my friend.