William “Uncle Ed” Williams, 75, of El Dorado, passed from this life on Sunday, May 6, 2012, at his home in El Dorado.

He was born on March 1, 1937, in Warren to the late Everette and Helen Beatrice (Neely) Williams. 

Ed was a NAPA auto parts salesman in El Dorado for many years and later became the owner of NAPA stores in El Dorado and Magnolia, from which he retired. Due to his love for people, after retirement, he later rejoined the workforce part time at Gene’s Auto Supply. One of Ed’s favorite past times was spending time outdoors whether it be hunting or just hanging out with his special buddy, Eric. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Mary Helen Raper.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of almost 50 years, Nell (Groves) Williams of El Dorado, who he married on Oct. 12, 1962. Ed and Nell had no children of their own, but have lots of special family including one brother, Robert B. Williams and his wife, Bette, of California; niece, Carita Carney and her husband, Stan, of California; niece, Leslie Sjolrene and her husband, Wayne, of California; one brother-in-law, Jamie Raper; nephew, Matt Raper and his wife, Carrie, of Warren; niece, Amanda Raper Gladden and her husband, Kym, of Warren; one sister-in-law, Frances Groves Webb and her husband, Bobby, of Norphlet; two brothers-in-law, Charles Elmer Groves and his wife, Margaret, of Pigeon Hill Community, and Wayne Groves and his wife, Ruth Grace, of El Dorado; nephew, Michael Webb and his wife, Gina, of El Dorado; niece, Myrenda Webb Swilley and her husband, Scotty, of El Dorado; nephew, Bo Groves and his wife, Carrie, of El Dorado; nephew, Eddie Wayne Groves of  El Dorado, currently stationed in Florida serving our country; several great-nieces and nephews to include Amy Durchman, Erin Webb, Jacob Swilley, Eric Swilley, Austin Groves, Ember Groves, Colton Groves, and Jay Welch; a God-daughter, Robin McGarity Johnson and her husband, Brandon Johnson, and their children, Daniel Hayes, Sydney Hayes, and Mitchell Johnson, all of El Dorado.

Funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 9, at the El Dorado Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Larry Hudson officiating, assisted by Bro. Robert B. Williams. Entombment will follow in Arlington Memorial Park Mausoleum under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of El Dorado. 

Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. today at Bailey Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Jacob Swilley, Eric Swilley, Matt Raper, Randy Taylor, Terry Taylor, Darrell Taylor, Brandon Johnson and Jessie Millican. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Neely, Richard Tackett, Bobby G. Black, Neely Deer Camp members, employees of Gene’s Auto Supply, and employees of NAPA in Magnolia. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.

An online guestbook is available at www.baileyfuneralhome.net

Published: 05/08/2012