Arthur Dean Williams

Arthur Dean Williams age 90, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away Friday, February 21, 2025. Dean was an active member of the First Baptist Church Newport for over 50 years. There he served on various committees, taught Sunday School Classes, was a deacon and later became Deacon Emeritus. Dean was an active member of many organizations in the community during the course of his life. These included; being on the board of Cherokee Health Systems, Kiwanis Club member, and the Jaycees. Dean also served as a board member of Cocke County Baptist Hospital, and “Big Baptist” in Knoxville which later became Tennova Healthcare. During college at East Tennessee State University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in business, Dean was involved in ROTC. He later became an active Army first lieutenant and then did Army Reserve duty. Dean worked with Arapahoe Chemicals in Newport before relocating to Bush Brother’s as their Human Resource Director. After retiring from Bush Brother’s, Dean held the interim position of Economic Development Commissioner in Newport for seven years. Dean is preceded in death by his parents, David Arthur and Bessie Hicks Williams; sister’s Kate Huff and Marjorie Webb. Brothers, Ellis, Hollis and Dib Williams, son; Christian Dean Williams, and first wife Alice Thornton Williams. Dean is survived by his wife, Carolyn Williams, children, Amy (David) Pitts, Sharon (Carl) Daugherty, Jennifer (James) Greene. Grandchildren, Megan (Rickey) McReynolds, Kathryn Williams, Noah Pitts, Drake Daugherty, Turner Dean (Riley) Williams. Great grandchildren, David, Jacob, and Benjamin Greene, River Williams, Daughter in law, Amanda Williams, and many beloved nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 5PM to 7PM with services to follow at 7PM at First Baptist Church Newport, TN. Burial will be Monday February 24, 2025 at 11AM Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers gifts may be made to the Arthur Dean Williams Scholarship Fund at First Baptist Church, 599 Amanda Circle, Newport, TN 37821. The family of Arthur Dean Williams would like to thank everyone for your texts, phone calls, cards, food, flowers, hugs, and most importantly your prayers during this difficult time. The family would also like to thank Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice, and Charlie Grooms for your excellent care. We also thank special sitter Debbie Yelton. Family and friends may sign the guest register online at www.manesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Manes Funeral Home.

Arthur Dean Williams

August 27, 1934 - February 21, 2025