David Lane Williams III, PhD., 84, died Monday, February 24, 2025, at Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville, Arkansas after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. The only child of David and Mariam Williams, he was born March 19, 1940, in Springfield, Missouri. Williams leaves a legacy as a leader in the behavioral health field, serving 30 years as the chief executive officer of Ozark Guidance (now Arisa Health), a community mental health service provider for Northwest Arkansas.
After attending seminary at Texas Christian University, his career of service began behind the pulpit, ministering to parishioners from Killeen, Texas, and young servicemen based at Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos). There he performed nuptials for countless couples ahead of deployment during the Vietnam conflict. Many soldiers stayed with David and his young family in their home during those years, finding a place of solace and support before beginning their tours of duty. And when soldiers were killed in duty, he was there to console their widows and families.
The ministry then took him to Austin to the University of Texas campus. There, in the late 1960s, he advanced social justice initiatives, dissolving cultural and racial barriers to promote peace in the wake of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and facilitating peaceful student-led demonstrations. This was not always a popular stance, and David became the focus of hate-filled rants and death threats. He never wavered from his commitment to peace and civil rights, and no one, regardless of political stance, ever questioned his sincerity or resolve.
After earning his doctorate, his heart focus shifted to mental and behavioral healthcare. He served as associate director at the Austin Travis County Mental Health Center, where he met his beloved wife, Pattie. He was then appointed CEO of Ozark Guidance in 1977. During his time at the helm of the nonprofit organization, David adopted innovative practices such as assertive community treatment, intensive family intervention, jail-based services and supportive housing. Throughout his career, David worked with gubernatorial administrations for the successful advancement and treatment of people with mental illness. He served on several boards, including 7Hills Homeless Center in Fayetteville.
David was a long-standing board member of the Northwest Arkansas NAACP and an active supporter of the Fayetteville, AR Black History Month Celebration. Additionally, he and Pattie were founding members of the St. Paul’s Becoming Love Community, helping to establish a framework for fostering race and reconciliation healing throughout Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas.
His efforts were life-changing for many residents of Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Leaders in medicine, business, academia, and politics knew him as a man of integrity and vision. Accolades were never the focus of his purpose-driven life, yet he was the recipient of the Stockburger Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mental Health Council, the Dr. Tom Bruce Arkansas Health Improvement Award, the University of Arkansas’ Honorary Social Worker of the Year Award, and the National Council Lifetime Achievement Award. He was, perhaps, most proud of the fact that colleagues, board members, and donors of Ozark Guidance deemed it appropriate to name the flagship facility in Springdale as the David L. Williams Building.
Following his retirement in 2008, he joined the faculty of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville as a professor in the College of Education and Health Professions. In retirement, he also served in pastoral care ministries at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Despite the Parkinson’s diagnosis, David continued his standing meetings with friends, family and men’s groups, ever the optimist and freely sharing his love and admiration for those lucky enough to be within his orbit. This included the retirement community of Grand Village where he and Pattie lived.
By any metric, David had a wonderful life. He and Pattie traveled around the world. He loved hiking, paddling, sailing, SCUBA diving, and trout fishing on the White River. He was conversant in four languages, and he earned his private pilot’s license. He also loved theater and the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas.
David was able to speak with genuine knowledge and flair on subjects ranging from Razorback athletics, especially basketball, to theological doctrine, old cars, Royals and Astros baseball, the Dallas Cowboys, philosophy, 1970s jazz, and the histories of the Gulf Coast and the Ozarks. He ran marathons.
There was never a moment in his life when he was reading fewer than four books, strewn in various places around his home, each story waiting for him to return and dive back in where he’d left off. His favorite moments were times he and Pattie spent with good friends and family in his home, where everyone was welcome, and each guest left with a cherished memory.
David is survived by his wife of 48 years, Pattie Clare Williams, of Fayetteville; son David Williams IV (Melissa), Magazine, Arkansas; daughter Joy Holly (Jordy) of Corpus Christi, Texas; Chris Osher (Lisa) of Aurora, Colorado; grandsons David Lane Williams V and Dalton Watters Williams (Rachel) of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and great-grandchildren; Daisy, Wren and Vivianne Williams.
Services for David Lane Williams III will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on March 17th, 2025 at 3:00 PM. Arrangements are through Beard’s Funeral Chapel of Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to 7 Hills Homeless Center.
I met David the day he arrived in Northwest Arkansas. He knocked on my door to use my phone because the power company had not turned on electricity in his apartment next door to mine. At first sight I knew he was a man of compassion, integrity and humor. He was a genuine treasure in my life all these years…and his biggest gift to me was my friendship with his beloved wife, Pattie.
My heart is broken for our loss while full of love, admiration and memories of David. We had a wonderful visit the week before his passing. We spent that opportunity to reminisce about our friendship and working relationships. He asked for updates on so many of our mutual friends. He continue to care about so many people. At the end of our remembrance he looked up at me and said, that gave me pure joy.He was the beacon that gave so many of us guidance, direction, love and a culture of service. He will live in our hearts and in our service..
My condolences are with you Pattie as you navigate this time in your life. I send you love and support. I loved Grandpa Williams so much and he was a kind, caring, man. I will forever hold the memories of sitting in your home speaking to David about mental health issues, passions and shared interests. My family sends their condolences as well. We all remember David as a great man.
Sending our love, support, and deepest condolences to David’s family and to all whose lives were enriched by his presence and light.
I am so sorry to hear of David’s passing. He was a true hero in my life with my first job and needing guidance. His son -Chris Osher was a best friend through high school and college and Patti worked on several projects that helped my friends and family. . Sending love to Patti and Chris.
David, I, we all, will miss you
David changed my life by seeing more in me than I could see in myself. I am forever grateful for the impact he had on me both personally and professionally. A legend who will be greatly missed.
I will miss you David! Your humility and generosity through life was an example to follow for me. You enhanced my and my family’s lives tremendously with your (and Patties) inclusivity! Fly free…!
I was fortunate to be the first person to meet David when he came to Arkansas to interview for the position of Executive Director of Ozark Guidance. That day was life changing, not only for me, but for everyone he met. It was the day a life long friendship began with you and Pattie. It goes without saying that David was a true humanitarian. He changed and saved the lives of countless who never met him or knew his name. You were self-sacrificing, generous, kind to everyone. Your wisdom equaled that of philisophers, theologians., and mediators. I miss your presence, your laughter, your love and our talks. Pattie, I send you and the family my love and heartfelt condolences.
I met David in 1996 while working at the Charter Vista Hospital. A facility for the Behavioral Health diagnosis. He was always receptive to the needs of our patients both adult and adolescents. The discharge care was always a smooth transition. Thanks David for you continued care and concern for those who needed continued care. RIP you left footprints that others can follow while helping others in moments when they needed continued support.🙏🏾
David was my “big cousin” being 7 years older than me. He’d visit Kansas City at Christmas and I looked up to him. I became a clinical social worker and David, Patty and I shared our interest in helping people with emotional struggles. While I am saddened by David’s passing, I am glad he didn’t become severely disabled by Parkinson’s for a long period of time as I experienced with one of my closest friends. Patty and David were a force together and I’m sure Patty will continue to be a force as she moves forward holding David in her heart and mind.
Dear Pattie. My heart reaches out to you and your family as I pray for the soul of David, whom I never met, though I know was a wonderful man, as expressed by you and those that met him. May he rest in peace. Much love and care to you from Merida
I am deeply saddened by the passing of David Lane Williams III. His life was one of deep intellect, adventure, and generosity—a life well and fully lived. His passion for learning, his love of family and friends, and his unwavering optimism left a profound impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
It has been an honor to know both David and Pattie. Their kindness, wisdom, and warmth have touched so many lives, mine included. David’s legacy is not just in his remarkable accomplishments but in the way he made those around him feel valued and cherished.
My heart goes out to Pattie and the entire Williams family. May you find comfort in the incredible memories and the lasting influence he leaves behind. Wishing you peace during this difficult time.
I had known David for the entirety of my life and will always appreciate everything he did for me as my godfather. He was always affable and kind, a genuinely good man who gave so much to the community that respected him so much. My condolences are with Patti and the rest of David’s family, who will carry on his spirit.
John & I want to send our love and prayers to David’s family. If you knew David you were indeed a lucky person. He touched so many lives with his encouragement and wisdom. He was a skilled leader and a role model to many. We are grateful we had the opportunity to call him a friend.
Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince,/And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
One of the joys of the more recent years of my life was getting to spend more time with David. My first attempts at writing a condolence were ridiculously long and still inadequate. And then I realized what I wanted to say.
When David smiled at you, it filled your heart and soul, because he was sharing himself fully in that moment. I will respect and deeply value David Williams’ life, but I will remember those moments because they left me feeling a bit more whole than I was before. What a gift!
And Pattie, your generosity of spirit and your sharing of love is also an extraordinary gift. Thank you.
David and I had coffee together once per week until he couldn’t. One of our many topics was AI and this was a fun topic. I ask AI to help me write a poem about David:
For David Williams
Soft-spoken heart, a guiding light,
A beacon shining in the night.
With steady hands, he eased the way,
For those in darkness, lost, astray.
He walked with wisdom, gave with grace,
A friend to all, in every place.
No fear could shake his steadfast stand,
For peace and justice, hand in hand.
Through books and thought, through faith and mind,
He sought the truths that few might find.
Yet more than words, his kindness spoke,
A gentle strength that never broke.
His voice now quiet, but echoes stay,
In lives he touched along the way.
A legacy of love remains,
Beyond the stars, beyond the plains.
Gary and I were very blessed to get to know David Williams. He was indeed one of the most caring and compassionate people we have ever met. David always had time to listen, and always sensitive to those around him. This world has indeed lost one of its finest people and he surely will be missed.
My heart is full of compassion for your loss of David.
I am grateful to our Lord for giving us the ability to have such great memories of our loved ones!
They become so sweet and precious.
Love you,
It was a honor and a privilege to care for and know David along with his Wife, Pattie.
Love, Peace and Prayers
My wife, Chava Schacter, worked at Ozark Guidance for many years with David. Pattie, I am so very worry for your loss. David was a great human being; the world has lost a treasure.
I spent a significant time of my life meeting up with David and Rudy Moore and running. We ran at a slow enough pace that we spent many hours discussing every imaginable topic. David was an active listener as well as a wise observer of the world and the people who inhabited it. I learned so much from hearing his take on every topic imaginable. Those runs made me a better person . His compassion and love for mankind and a peaceful world inspired me to be a better person. I loved David. He was such a positive force. Our knees eventually callled an end to our 4 miles of sharing our thoughts and views. I know no one who raised so many up than David. David Williams you did not make me a better runner but you sure made me a better person.
Oh David…. I will miss you. In your presence I have felt accepted, valued and strong. I felt seen in a way that life doesn’t often afford one. A soft and yet, a certainty about you, that I now treasure as a gift. A gift to have been granted…. to call you my friend. Thank you David – you will always live on in my heart.
Mark and I are saddened to hear the news of David passing. I cannot think of a better human being that I’ve ever met. He made me better just by knowing and learning from him. Thinking of the family now and in the comings weeks and months.
I had much admiration for David.
David was an outstanding man. I learned things I had not known about him that were included in his obituary. I have a number of memories about him and they spring to mind from time to time. Pattie, you know that I am with you in my heart. I will not forget what you and David did for me when my husband Don died while in Circle of Life in Springdale. The day after he died the two of you went there and one of you drove my car home, as I had left the night before with my family. It was the most helpful thing and I remember David’s kindness as well as yours. You had many years with him and can draw upon your good memories to help you get through this grieving time.
Pattie, this world, my world certainly, is a better place because of your David, our David. Spending time with him was always meaningful and joyful. David welcomed everyone with generosity and that gentle curiosity and steady presence we all came to know and love. His questions, his observations, hit the bullseye of my heart many, many times. I am so grateful.
Pattie, may the days and nights before you be as gentle as possible. I’m sending you wave after gentle wave of love.
Dearest Pattie, Beautiful lady, beautiful soul!! My thoughts are deeply with you and your gifted family! To know David with such an amazing spirit and love! I have been so blessed to know David and you. Your special interests in humanity and your heart to heart support for others with genuine care!
It’s so hard to accept but the blessings of his freedom prevail 🙏💫
You are both amazing people and I treasure you both so much! May love and blessings embrace both of you and your family from here!
God Speed 💫
Dr. Williams’ passing is a profound loss for NWA. I recall the first time I met him—he came to an event for Hispanic families with students in Fayetteville High. He was so supportive. What a beautiful soul. My prayers are with his family. His family reflects his devotion to service!
Dear Pattie and family, I have remembered occasions with each of you and I am grateful for each day I could be in your presence. I learned so much with David about you and your family by the proud and tender way he spoke about you. I often thought his gift of extra ordinary leadership and his capacity to care were unmatched. He covered so many areas of expertise in a quiet manner and so effectively. His gifts with people and his leaderhip were outstanding. His model was something I tried to carry with me throughout my life. Fortunately he developed many other leaders that have stayed in the field and I see his mark upon them. This has always been a difficult field. I am so grateful for his gifts to the field of mental health and that the strong, effective, and caring leadership carries on. That is legacy
Every life lost is a loss to someone, but losing David surely ranks somewhere at the top of the list.
Pattie, Ann and I are so sorry to hear of Davids passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ann and Rick Stroud
I had the privilege of working alongside David for 10 years at OGC! I always told him he was the Best Boss in the World and Pattie was the Best Boss’s Wife! Doug and I were having dinner with the late Senator Jon Fitch from Madison County one evening and he leaned across the table and said, “Ok, Linda~what’s Williams really like?” I looked at him and said, “Fitch, what you see in the Senate is what I see everyday”! He slapped the table and replied, “No one can be that nice all the time!” I extended my hand and said, “wanna bet?”
He refused!
His commitment to others was as big as the world itself! We laughed a lot and cried some tears together along the way as some tough issues came up, but none of us worked FOR David~we worked WITH him! He made each and every one of us better!
I loved his sweet parents, and always enjoyed visiting with David IV, Joy and Chris and of course Pattie!
We have known and loved David since we became neighbors in 2003. He and Pattie have shown us the full potential of friendship over these years.
David’s kindness to our children, as they’ve grown up, has been a constant in their lives. Both children could rely on a warm reception every time David would see them. Each year, David would recruit our son to gather walnuts in his yard. It was ‘serious work.’ They shared the responsibility of this task. They took pride in the work together, and our son did not want to do any less than his best. They were partners. Our daughter loved and trusted David. He was a gentle and positive source for her. We are grateful for both of their relationships with David and Pattie.
In our time as neighbors, we celebrated accomplishments together and shared concerns that are inevitable in any neighborhood. We were allies and confidants. Our family will treasure our memories of trick-or-treats, bike stunts in the driveway, playing catch and frisbee, sharing yard chores, July Fourth fireworks, COVID howls, and long talks stretching past sunset.
We are better people and our family has more love as a result of our friendship with David and Pattie. We will miss David with as much might as our love for him. We’re sad, grateful, and so lucky to have loved him.
So many amazing tributes for an amazing man….. whose legacy was felt by many and therefore will be carried forward in his honor. His was a life well lived. I remember his warm greeting whenever we met. I was always glad to see he and Pattie. May he rest in peace. Peace and love to Pattie.
One day, shortly after I started my job at OGC it was 1991, the CEO, Mr. DW, approached me for a chat “on the side” in the hallway. As we talked, he asked, “You don’t remember me, do you?” I replied, “Well, you do look familiar to me.” With a smile, he said, “You refinished a chair for me! I met you at a yard sale once, and you mentioned it was a hobby you did after hours.” The memory clicked, and I asked how is that old antique rocking chair doing. He reported back warmly, “It’s holding up just fine.” That was around 1975. I soon found out he didn’t pass too may in the hall without saying something to them. And my wife who also worked there and I know such a person like him will be missed! I retired OGC in the year 2011. Larry and Valerie Poage
Dr. Willliams was my professor when I was studying health sciences at the UA. He said there are three things to ask yourself on any endeavor: 1. Did you do what you said you would do? 2.Did you do it well? and 3. Did it make a difference? This has become my guiding philosophy throughout my life. Thank you for your wisdom-you will be missed.
WHAT CAN ONE SAY ABOUT A FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR FOR OVER 25 YEARS. YOU CANNOT LAUD DAVID WITHOUT INCLUDING PATTIE. I KNEW THAT NO MATTER THE ISSUE, THEY WERE ALWAYS THERE. TO ASK DAVID, HOW IS YOUR FAMILY, WOULD IMMEDIATELY TELL ME HOW PROUD HE WAS OF HIS FAMILY AND ESPECIALLY PATTIE. HE MARVELED AT HER ENERGY AND ABILITY TO MANAGE HER LIFE AND HIS. DAVID WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AS A WONDERFUL AND CARING FRIEND HE WILL BE MISSED.