William Raymond Brown II, age 62

William Raymond Brown II, “Ray”, “Bill”, “William”, “Will”, was taken to his heavenly home on Monday, September 1, 2025 in Little Rock, AR. He was born in Morrilton, AR on May 7, 1963, to William R. Brown and Cynthia Harrell Brown. Being the youngest of four children, Ray learned early how to entertain a crowd, and spent the majority of his life doing just that.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Dr. William (Bill) R. Brown and Letha Brown, and his mother, Cynthia Harrell Brown. He is survived by his three daughters, Haven Grace Brown, Ember Hope Brown, Journey Faith Brown, one son, Canaan Justus Brown, their mother, Rebecca Powers, of NWA, and daughter Kristen Smuland of Austin, TX. He is also survived by one granddaughter, Covenant Faith, and sisters, Karen Ratliff of Conway, Linnea Brown of Conway, Melissa Hayes (Roger) of Morrilton, and brothers, David Brown (Denise) of Megehee, Eddie Jackson (Jennifer) of Missouri, Tim Jackson of Morrilton, and numerous nieces and nephews.

At an early age, William’s talent for music became apparent. He was a self-taught musician who could play any instrument he found in his hands, had a gift for composing songs and setting them to music, and he was blessed with a powerful voice that left listeners in awe. He sang in many styles and venues: he toured with the southern gospel group The Hinsons, sang at the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meetings, had an itinerant music ministry sharing original Christian songs, and also wrote and performed original country songs and played for many years in the popular dueling piano scene.

A second talent William discovered was in the culinary arts. What started as a passion for putting delicious food on the table for his family became a business that made his “Will-Yum’s” food truck famous across Northwest Arkansas. His passion for his original creations was evident with every bite. Just like William, his fare was never lacking in flavor.

Beyond his musical ability and culinary talent, William will be remembered for his infectious laugh, sense of humor, and, above all, his love for his children, who were the pride of his life. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to A Natural State Funeral Service at 501-982-3400 to address final expenses.

There will be a family hosted Memorial Service in Ray’s Honor on September 13, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Bayou Meto Baptist Church in Jacksonville. Potluck to follow in Fellowship Hall. Please bring your favorite dish!!

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations be made to the funeral home to help with final expenses.

Cremation arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com