John William Williamson

John William Williamson — also known by those who loved (and sometimes feared) him as Lil’ Bill, Red, or Wild Bill — of Guion, Arkansas, took his final ride on April 3, 2025, in Pea Ridge, Arkansas, at the age of 69. If you knew him, you know he probably left with a grin, a joke, and a reminder to keep working hard no matter what.

Born in Batesville, Arkansas, on April 26, 1955, to Richard R. “Dick” Williamson and Barbara Jean Moser, Bill was a jack-of-all-trades and a master of doing things his way. From training horses and working in the oil fields, to farming and logging, Bill didn’t just wear many hats — he probably made them himselfout of duct tape and barbed wire.

His life motto was simple and well-known: “Don’t worry about the mule, just load the wagon.” Translation: Stop whining and get to work. And that’s exactly how he lived — with grit, humor, and a little mischief. There was nothing he couldn’t fix, no problem he wouldn’t try to solve, and no stranger he wouldn’t offer a hand to — usually while holding a special beverage and being followed by his loyal sidekick, his dog Bolo.

A proud member of Guion Baptist Church, Bill believed in faith through action. He was most alive outdoors — hunting, fishing, riding tractors, and making sure everyone around him had something to laugh about or something to do. Often both.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard “Dick” Williamson, whom he likely met at the gates with, “Well, you’re still not doing it right.”

He leaves behind a loving (and slightly exhausted) family:

His beloved mother Barbara Jean (Moser) Williamson of Guion, AR

• His sisters: Kathy (Jimmy) Roberts of Guion, AR, and Karen McShane of Florida

• His daughters: Kristie Williamson “Big Sissy” of Guion, AR; Sarah Dawn (Trevor) Vile of Savannah, GA; and Kristy Jean “KJ” (Joseph) Reed of Pea Ridge, AR

• His sons: Alex (fiancée Madison Kuykendall) of Greenbrier, AR, and Dillon Williamson of Orlando, FL

• His grandchildren: Alayna, Owen, and Elivia Williamson; Grayson, Charlotte, and Olivia Vile; and step-granddaughter Emma

• His treasured niece Stephanie Seiler of Leopold, MO, several nephews, and a long list of friends and honorary family — some related by blood, others by busted knuckles and shared stories

• Also left to cherish his memory are two of his closest and most loyal people:

• His companion and helpful mate, Mary Ann, who stood by him through thick, thin, and tractor repairs

• And his brother from another mother, Fred Lamb, a lifelong friend who shared stories, sweat, and more than a few wild rides with Bill

• In true Wild Bill fashion, there will be no formal service, because — as he’d likely remind you — “That’s just sittin’ around when there’s work to do.” Instead, a potluck drop-in will be held Sunday, April 6, 2025, 1 to 4 p.m. at the Guion School House. Bring a dish and your best Bill story. A full celebration of life will follow at a later date when the dust settles and everyone’s done laughing, hugging, and trying to remember if that story was real or just one of Bill’s classics.

Dad didn’t just live life — he wrestled it into shape with calloused hands and sheer grit. He left behind dust, duct tape, boot prints, belly laughs, and busted tools in his wake. He wrangled life, rode it bareback, and dared it to try and throw him. And somehow, even after he’s gone, he’s still reminding us to get back up, shake it off, and load the wagon. He left us with deep love and a legacy built on hard work, humor, and heart — and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Arrangements by Qualls Funeral Homes.