of Midlothian, TX
June 15, 1940 - February 17, 2026
James Carey Williams (Jim) of Midlothian, Texas, went to his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 17, 2026. He was born on June 15, 1940, to Dr. H. E. and Beatrice Williams in Memphis, Tennessee. He graduated from Walnut Ridge High School in 1959 and earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Southern Baptist College (now Williams Baptist University), a two-year college founded by his father. He then attended Ouachita Baptist University, graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He later obtained a Master of Education degree from the University of Missouri in St. Louis in 1968.
He married the love of his life, Pamela White, in 1962, and together they built a life dedicated to serving others through education and the church. Jim served as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent in various Arkansas school districts, including Marion Public Schools, Dumas Public Schools, Fordyce Public Schools, and Mena Public Schools. Developing and implementing one of the first public school kindergarten programs in 1972 was one of his proudest educational achievements. During this time, he co-authored an ''Oral-Language'' program under the direction of the U.S. Department of Education. He was selected to appear before the Committee on Education and Labor, U.S. House of Representatives, to speak on behalf of the educational needs of children; served on the Governor's Council for statewide kindergarten in 1973; was appointed by Governor David Pryor to the Governor's Council of Early Childhood Development Study Committee in 1975; served on the Board of Directors of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development in 1975; and was chosen as the Outstanding ASCD member by the Arkansas ASCD Study Committee.
In 1977, God called him to share his educational experience as a full-time Minister of Education at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church in Little Rock. He continued serving in several other churches, including First Baptist Baton Rouge in Louisiana, First Baptist Church of Oak Cliff in Texas, and First Baptist Church of Horn Lake, Mississippi. During this time, he was selected to serve on the Brotherhood Commission Executive Committee. He remained faithful in serving the churches where they lived. He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing golf, and working on little projects around his home. Jim will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his dedication to Christian education, and his lifelong commitment to serving both church and community.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Martha Nicholas; and his brother, Steve Williams.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Pamela Williams of Midlothian, Texas; daughter, Carrie Sharp (David) of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; son, Scott Williams (Kim) of Midlothian, Texas; four grandchildren, Ashlee Sharp of Frisco, Texas, Chad Williams (Maddie) of Midlothian, Texas, Jordan Sharp (Jessica) of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, and Brooke Williams of Midlothian, Texas; and four great-grandchildren, Braylen, Bowen, Beckham Williams, and Graham Sharp.
A memorial service will be held at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home in Little Rock on February 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A family visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. A private interment will be held at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Williams Baptist University, https://williamsbu.edu/give/
Sign Guestbook
11 Condolence(s)
Phyllis Lyon
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Scott and Family,
My heart goes out to you with the loss of your father. But there is assurance with him now being with our Lord.
May the days without him be filled with memories of joy and laughter.
I am praying for God’s love, strength, and comfort as long as you need it.
Jay and Cathy Shell
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
We were saddened to hear of Jim's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. Proverbs 3:5-6.
Margaret Wright
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Pam, your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Jim was a larger than life person that will be sorely missed by so many. I will always treasure the friendship and the good times of fun and fellowship that John and I enjoyed with you and Jim. John always referred to Jim as the best friend he ever had. That friendship can once again be enjoyed in heaven where they both have been healed and made whole again. Love you, friend!
Rick Werner
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Jim, you were a good fellow and did your job (husband, parent, educator and Godly servant) well. Now you will be missed here, but will be enjoying your just reward. I’m thinking the fairways, bunkers and greens are pretty special at your new residence.
Peace be with you
Daniel
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
I'm very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Prayers for his wife and family.
I didn't know Jim but knew his Dad and Mother while I attended Southern Baptist College in 1972/73. DR. and Mrs. Williams were wonderful people and so devoted to serving God and teaching the students of Williams to be faithful and trusting in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Jerry and Barbara Gibbens
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Barbara (Mitchell) and I were classmates with Jim when we were students at Southern. We even “double dated” with Jim. Jim was a campus leader and usually led the singing at B.S.U. I ate a few meals in Dr. and Mrs. Bea Williams’ home on campus. The Williams family, Martha and Steve and Jim, are more like family than acquaintances. Condolences to Jim’s extended family.
BK and Debbie Robertson
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
We are so sorry for the loss of your precious dad Carrie. Please know we are praying for all of you during this time and the days and months ahead. Love you bunches!
Pam Breier
Monday, February 23, 2026
Pam, Scot and Kim,
I am sorry for your loss. Please you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time for your family. I know you will miss Jim terribly, but you know he is in God’s house now.
Roy Cannon
Monday, February 23, 2026
Donna Harrison
Monday, February 23, 2026
Pam, you are in my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. Losing your soulmate is the hardest thing ever. The loss and sadness never goes away but God is faithful and helps you every day! 🙏❤️❤️🙏
Melanie Williams
Monday, February 23, 2026
Pam, you and Carrie and Scott, especially, are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m praying particularly for comfort, peace, and rest for you. Love, Melanie