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.
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37 Condolence(s)
Paul and Susan Johnson
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
So sorry to hear about Hasty's passing. He was one in a million and we are honored to have known him.
Praying for the family during this time.
Janice Triner
Saturday, August 17, 2024
So sorry for your loss. You all are in my prayers.
Kevin & Keisha Keyes
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
We are so sorry to hear of Hasty's passing. He was a remarkable person.
Rick and Kelley Zeigler
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
We are hear about Mr. Williams. Deepest condolences.
Sammy & Yvette Phillips
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Our heart goes out to you and your Family. there will never be another Hasty. he will be greatly missed! praying. Hugs
Terry & Glenna Fisk
Monday, August 12, 2024
Dear Dee & Family,
Our hearts go out to you and all the family. Hasty made a difference in the world and will not be forgotten.
May God give you peace.
Captain Darryl Stubbs, USN retired
Monday, August 12, 2024
Dee and family I am so sorry about Hasty's passing. It seems like yesterday when I served as his executive officer in VT-24. He was a superb leader and I learned much from his no nonsense manner. I inherited an excellent squadron from Hasty and carried forward his legacy. He will be long-remembered as a friend and mentor. Please accept our utmost condolences and prayers. Lucille and Darryl
Tom Angel
Monday, August 12, 2024
Dee, I’m so very sorry to learn of Hasty’s passing. Prayers to you and all the family for comfort and peace. Take care.
Ken and Tamara
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Hugs!
Mary Waite Henry
Sunday, August 11, 2024
So sorry to learn of the passing of Hasty! Praying that God will comfort your family as you grieve this great loss!
Janelta Barrett
Sunday, August 11, 2024
When I think of Hasty, the first thing that comes to mind was his character. In all the years I have known him he never sweated the small stuff. He has told me so many times "dont sweat the small stuff" His Demeanor was one of a true gentlemen. I know Hasty was your rock Dee and I pray that God's grace will be sufficient for your family. I will always be greatful for his service in the military and for all the years I called him my friend.
Janie Purdom
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Hasty truly was one of a kind. Never had a conversation with him that didn’t include a good laugh. My condolences to Dee and all his family. Prayers for peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Danny/Petra Pershall
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of loss.
Chris and Diane Wade
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Hasty, thank you for your service to this Great Country. RIP you brave man.
Mike and Donna Kaye (Benton) Treat
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Dee, Holly and all the family
So sorry to hear about Hasty. I am praying for all the family. He served are country to help keep us free. Got so many memories of turkey trot and of all the good times and visiting. Love you all.
Janice
Saturday, August 10, 2024
David Davis: final salute to a fellow pilot.
So sorry for your loss. Hasty had an impressive career in the Navy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
David and Janice Davis
Rebecca Sanders
Saturday, August 10, 2024
My condolences to you,Dee, and your family. Prayers for comfort.
Donna Duggins
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Hasty was a rare gem and the last of a great generation. My thoughts and prayers go out to you Dee, Stacy and Mark. May God give you comfort in this hard time.
Vicki A Roberts
Saturday, August 10, 2024
DEE, I DON'T BELIEVE THAT THERE WAS ANOTHER MAN LIKE HIM. ONE OF A KIND. I ENJOYED TALKING TO HIM ANY TIME. HE WAS A GENTLEMAN, A WISE MAN AND A GOOD FRIEND . REST IN GOD'S ARMS FOR YOUR WORK ON EARTH IS DONE.
Mary Cordova
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Son, Father, Friend.
Service to your country. All a loss not to be replaced.
Julie (Riley) Orender
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Hasty was a wonderful man. I am so sorry for your loss.
What a distinguished military career. I’m thankful for his service and my freedom.
I never knew he was the one dropping turkeys! That’s awesome! The phantom pilot will be missed.
Larry and Judith Bearden
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Please accept our deepest sympathy and convey our condolences to all your family
Drucella jefferson
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Dee, I am so sorry for your loosing hasty, he was one in a million, love you
Brice Smith
Friday, August 9, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss. Hasty was to say the least a very interesting character and definitely one of a kind. I enjoyed so much the many interesting talks we had years ago when he had the grub shop on 202. I got to just listen to just a few of his stories and all I could say then was (wow) and that’s still all I can say now. One story I’ve told many times to others. Commander thank you Sir for your service. You are the true definition of a American Hero.
Shon Riley
Friday, August 9, 2024
I was so saddened to hear of Hasty’s passing. The Rileys have always considered the Williams as dear friends. It was an honor growing up in our little town among great men like Hasty. May he rest in the peace he fought for all of us to live in.
Roger Barrett
Friday, August 9, 2024
Laura B England
Friday, August 9, 2024
Dear family of Mr. Hasty,
My condolences to all of you, in the loss of this honorable man, who served our country well! God Bless!
Laura
Wendy (Nye) DePhillips
Friday, August 9, 2024
So sorry for your loss! Praying for the entire family. May you feel God’s peace and comfort as you endure this loss.
Danny Lester
Friday, August 9, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss brother. I lost my dad at the age of 86. I am here for you, no matter what.
Love you brother.
Kirby Davenport
Friday, August 9, 2024
Quite a man, fortunate to have known him and have him as a friend. I have several stories which shall remain untold. Men like him are extremely rare.....
Ross Horton
Friday, August 9, 2024
My condolences to you Holly and your family for your loss.
Your from the looks of lived a great life. Prayers to you all.
Randy Prowett
Friday, August 9, 2024
Hasty was a hero of mine,,,, he had the best stories and jokes,,, used to bum cigarettes off me because he had “quit”,lol. He would always stop and see how our family was doing,,, a great guy that I will miss. Rest in peace my friend
Kevin and Christine Thomas
Friday, August 9, 2024
So for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.
Mary Setzer
Friday, August 9, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Camie Boskus
Friday, August 9, 2024
Praying for you and your family Stacy. So sorry for your loss.
Ann Huff Bryant
Friday, August 9, 2024
Thoughts and prayers for each of you. He was a very special friend and wonderful family man . Will be greatly missed by. Love to all.
Timothy Curtis
Friday, August 9, 2024
He was a gentleman, a true character, and a Helluva Fisherman ! I will see him again one day ....