of Mountain Home, AR

November 8, 1937 - August 4, 2024

Hugh Thomas (Hasty) Williams, age 86, of Mountain Home, Arkansas passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 4, 2024.

Hasty was born on November 8, 1937 to Avera and Johnie (Peacock) Williams in Quincy, Florida. After graduating from T.R. Miller High School in Brewton, Alabama he attended Auburn University and then went to the US Naval Academy. He was commissioned as an ensign in 1960 and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1961. In 1962, Hasty married Diane ''Dee'' Gilmore in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts.

Some of the highlights of his military career include VA-81 in Oceana, Virginia, Air Wing Eight as LSO; NAS Cecil Field; Carrier Air Wing Nineteen; Naval War College; VA-174 Instructor Pilot and Safety Officer. He reported to VT-24 as Executive Officer in 1976, taking over as commanding officer from 1977- He retired after his last tour, at NATTC NAS Millington, Memphis, Tennessee. Hasty flew over 3500 hours during his career, endured many cruises and, thankfully, survived two deployments to Vietnam. He proudly served our country and in return was awarded (12) air medals; (2) Meritorious Commendation; (2) Navy Unit Commendation; Distinguished Flying Cross; (3) Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medals; (2) Navy Commendation Medals; Combat V' Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea); Individual ''E:'' Award for weapons Delivery Excellence; Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award; National Defense Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Service and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry. After retiring from the Navy in 1980 and, until just a few years ago, Hasty was in the real estate business. He worked for Baker Company for
several years, but for the last 30 or so years Hasty was part of the team at BBB United Country Realty in Yellville. He loved scouting the land, and listing, showing and selling Marion County acreage to clients who would treasure being in this part of the country as much
as he did. He always claimed "I live in God's country"! Billy Baker was not only his boss, but a dear friend who was there for Hasty every step of the way. Every day was a new adventure....and oh, the stories he could tell!.

Hasty loved spending time in the woods, hunting and just enjoying nature with his kids, grandkids and friends. He had a passion for fishing... Bull Shoals Lake may never be the same! He looked forward to Yellville's yearly Turkey Trot, he loved to mess with the media, sending them in all different directions, so he could become the Phantom Pilot who dropped the turkeys over the square.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Dee; daughters, Holly (Scotty) Jefferson and Stacy (Bruce) White; sons, Brett (Kim) Williams, Mark (Amy E) Williams and Mike (Robin) Williams; grandchildren, Brittany Curtis, Blake (Sarah) Jefferson, Braden Jefferson, Jacob Lowery, Jonah (Peyton) White, Sloane and Jaxon Williams and great grandchildren, Cade Curtis and Callie Jane Jefferson.

A celebration of life will be Tuesday, September 10, 2024 from 5 to 7 PM at Roller-Burns Funeral Home .

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Burns Funeral Home
725 North Panther Ave.
Yellville, AR  72687
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com