Obituaries

William Quiney, III affectionately known as “Debucci” to his closest friends, was born to William Quiney, II and Armelia Diantha Jackson on August 5, 1937, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. William grew up in West Helena, Arkansas. In his adolescent years, after his mother remarried Earnest Jackson, the family moved to Crumrod, Arkansas. As a child attending Precious Grove Missionary Baptist Church his love for Sunday School began through the teaching of his cousin Willie Baker. William worked on a farm along with his family as sharecroppers. He was an excellent student and had a love for learning. He graduated in 1953 from C.V. White High School in Lakeview, Arkansas.

William loved photography. As a teenager, he saved up for his first camera ordered from a Sears and Roebuck catalog. He also loved baseball, especially the Los Angeles Dodgers. His stepfather coached him in an adult baseball league, where he met one of his lifelong friends James Rodgers, Sr. Rodgers introduced him to the love his life, Willie Mae Cook known as “Cookie.” They were married November 7, 1959 (64 years). The newlyweds moved to Elaine, Arkansas.  William had already been blessed with two children Dennis and Elaine, and his union with Cookie brought further blessings with the birth of Joel, Daryl, Ronda, and William, IV.

The move to Elaine brought William to First Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend F.A. Simpson where he served as a faithful Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent. He also was an active choir member and a member of the Bethlehem Male Chorus. The chorus traveled extensively singing the gospel. For many years, William was sought out as a soloist and inspirational speaker throughout the region.

William was a hard worker who was very passionate about taking care of his family. His first significant job after the farm was as a butcher for Lee Wong Grocery Store in Elaine. William loved working at the store however, he needed more income for his growing family, so he went to work at Johnston Lumber Company. He then worked in the lab at Mohawk Rubber Company until the plant closed in 1979.  William furthered his education at Phillips County Community College obtaining an Associate Degree in Business Administration. Later, he worked as the manager of Bill’s Dollar Store in Elaine for several years. Finally, he began working as an Adult Coordinator for the Phillips County Developmental Center until his retirement in 2010. William was appreciated for his photos of families, weddings, graduations, reunions, nature and church events. During retirement his love for capturing special moments inspired him to start his own photography business company known as Q Prints.

His quiet leadership and integrity brought him to the attention of Governor Bill Clinton who included him in his presidential exploratory committee. He was the long-time Board President of the Helena – West Helena Phillips County Port Authority. His spirit of service and dedication inspired all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Eddie Jackson, Alvin Jackson, Willie Mae Hollis, Jake Jackson, Ernest Jackson, Jr., Reginald Quiney, Charles Jackson, Lillie McElway, a daughter; Elaine “Micki” Quiney, and his grandchildren; Tevin K. Quiney, Wendy R. Quiney, Chassity C. Quiney, and a great granddaughter; London Carvella Rhodes.

He leaves to cherish his memory and carry on the work of serving others, his loving wife; Willie Mae Quiney, four sons; Dennis (Venita) Quinney, Sr., Joel Quiney, Sr., Daryl (Sonquitta) Quiney, Sr., William (Charolette) Quiney, IV, one daughter; Ronda Gathings, fourteen siblings; Esther Sanders, Isaac (Vesta) Quiney, Leonard (Patricia) Perry, Curtis Jackson, Calven (Racquel) Quiney, Annette (Marshall) Hall, Irene Jackson, Loistine (Eddie) Tye, Earnestine (James) Harris, Roger Dean Jackson, Luster Williams, Veora Williams, Carolyn Williams, Juanita Williams, two Goddaughters; Vera Rodgers, Rashunna Rodgers, adopted family; the Roy’s, three adopted sons; Paulus (Brooke) Smallwood, Leo (Sherry) Glass, Nathan (Cassandra) Sims, adopted sister; Jim Ella Carter, twenty-six grandchildren, forty-three great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family.

The passing of Brother William Quiney, III, a pillar of the Elaine community will be deeply felt by his family, friends and community at large.