Road in Dyess, Arkansas, named after Gene Williams

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       McGuire echoed the resolutions and wrote, “Gene Williams…has been a strong supporter of Historic Dyess. His affiliation with Johnny Cash has contributed to the continuation of much worldwide interest in the city of Dyess for which we are very grateful. Thank you for your physical and financial support to enhance the quality of life for all of our citizens.”

 This is the third honor Williams’ hometown has given him. In 2007 he was presented the key to the city and two years earlier a “Hometown of…” sign was erected on the edge of town. Williams has worked on several projects to help preserve his hometown’s history. They include presenting a fund raising concert with Mickey Gilley and the Urban Cowboy Band and making a donation to save a historical building that will be used for a museum recognizing the city’s historical significance and its former residents, Johnny Cash, Tommy Cash and Williams.

Dyess is not the only Arkansas community that has recognized Williams. He recently received the key to the City of Horseshoe Bend, Ark., for his work to bring significant country entertainment to the resort community during its early development and April 11, 2009, will be celebrated as Gene Williams Day.

        Williams holds a record in Arkansas of having nine days proclaimed Gene Williams Day (1964 Orval Faubus, 1968 Win Rockefeller, 1973 and 1974 Dale Bumpers - former President Bill Clinton proclaimed Gene Williams Day three times, Jim Guy Tucker once, and Mike Huckabee, once.) Williams was recognized for his community commitment to the industry and presented an honorary doctorate degree in television and broadcast communications from St. Martins College. He has also been honored by the states of Arkansas and Missouri for his work in tourism, entertainment and community.

Nominated for induction into two halls of fame, the Branson Entertainment Hall of Fame Museum and the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame, Williams was named Grand Ole Opry DJ of the Year in 1961 and inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 1993. In addition to Cash, he has worked with such greats as the Carter Family, the Statler Brothers, Carl Perkins, Charlie Walker, Charlie Louvin, Del Reeves, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Minnie Pearl and Jack Greene. He made two movies: “Country Music Jamboree” filmed in Parkin, Ark., and the “Sound of Country Music” that starred more than 39 Grand Ole Opry stars.

Williams recently put his name on a Branson theater in which the “Gene Williams Country Television Show” is presented. The Gene Williams Showcase Theatre is located in the Branson Mall on the world famous Highway 76. The Yearys, who are the celebrity guests on the TV show this week, present a 2 p.m. show at the theater Monday through Thursday. “Jeff Sallee's Classic Country Revue” with a tribute to Buck Owens is presented at 8 p.m. through Aug. 30 and 5 p.m. Sept. 2-Dec. 20. “Lookin’ for Love” Johnny Lee is making music history by presenting his own show beginning Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. at the theater.

Williams began his country music television show in Arkansas 45 years ago and for the past seven years has taped the show in Branson live before a studio audience. Television guests have included Doug Kershaw, Ed McMahon, Mickey Gilley, the Oak Ridge Boys, Roy Clark, Barbara Fairchild, Sons of the Pioneers, the Osmonds, Johnny Cash’s band The Tennessee Three, Helen Cornelius, Leona Williams, Charlie Louvin, Mary Lou Turner, Cal Smith, Stonewall Jackson, Norma Jean, Little Jimmy Dickens, Porter Wagoner, Jim Owen, Buck Trent, Johnny Lee and Wanda Jackson.

Williams’ co-host Katie Lynn has received the Branson Entertainment Awards Best Support Vocalist twice for her work in the "Mickey Gilley Show." She has worked with Gilley for more than eight years and also worked with Jim Owen for seven years. In addition to her singing career, she is a real estate agent. She and the guest stars perform weekly on the television show with the Country Junction Band.