Rachel Lynell Ragar Williams, 94, passed away at Clarehouse Hospice Home in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was born August
2, 1930, in Warren to Samuel E. and Hester (Berry) Ragar.
She was preceded in death by her parents; eight siblings; husband Walter “Herk” Williams; son Steve Williams; and grandson Drew Williams. She is survived by her son Rick Williams (Paula) of Muskogee, Okla.; grandchildren Lindsay Williams Dixon (Kyle) of Springdale, and Pierce Williams (Lauren) of Russellville; and great-grandchildren Aubrey, Rhodes, Amelia, Campbell, McLaine, and Lann.
A longtime Crossett resident, Rachel moved to Muskogee in 2018 after the loss of her husband and her son Steve. She loved her neighborhood porch chats on River Ridge Road and made fast friends in Muskogee—especially with her cherished Sunday School class. Still, her heart remained with her Crossett friends and First Baptist Church family. Staying connected through phone calls, the Arkansas Gazette, and the Ashley News Observer brought her great joy.
While living in Muskogee took her further from her home in Crossett, it brought her closer to her grandchildren and great-grands. Nothing lit up her face like time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she saw often and adored—just as much as they adored their “Mammaw".
Rachel married her high school sweetheart, Herk, in 1948. Known as standout “jitterbuggers", they survived the 1949 Warren tornado and soon settled in Crossett, where they raised their sons Steve and Rick. Herk served in the National Guard and worked at Royal Oak Charcoal and Georgia Pacific, while Rachel became church secretary at First Baptist Church of Crossett, a role she held for over 30 years. She also taught the Kindergarten Sunday School class for more than 50 years—a source of lasting pride and joy.
In 1975, the couple entered the restaurant business, remembered fondly by many for Herk’s Herk-a-Burgers and Herk’s Steak and Seafood. Their love for music that started with dancing the jitterbug continued as they loved traveling around to watch Steve, a talented musician, play various gigs. Rachel and Herk faithfully served their community and church, and supported their sons’ and grandchildren’s activities, always present and proud—no matter the distance or weather.
Rachel loved sweets and we know looked forward to heavenly reunions with her loved ones that have gone before her (hopefully reunions that centered around sharing a meal and most importantly dessert). If there’s a Taco Bell, Johnny’s Pizza or Catfish Express in heaven, you’ll find her there, sharing laughter and love with old friends—and now, with Jesus at the table too.
Visitation was Friday, June 6 at Jones Funeral Home, Crossett.
Funeral Service were Saturday, June 7 at First Baptist Church, Crossett with Bro. Jamie Staley and Dr. David Newberry officiating. Interment followed at Oakland Cemetery in Warren under the direction of Jones Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Clarehouse in Tulsa, Okla. (www.clarehouse.org) or First Baptist Church of Crossett, 701 Main Street, Crossett, AR 71635. www.jonesservice.com
