Life Reflections William Arthur “Buck” Small

The soul and spirit of William Arthur Small departed into God’s heavenly mansion on August 19, 2020 at South Georgia Medical Center, Valdosta, Georgia. He was born in Brooks County, Quitman, Georgia on April 11, 1931 to the late Toby and Pinkie Small. To this union, 10 children were born. William attended public schools in Quitman, Georgia, graduating from the “old” Brooks High School in 1950. After high school, he attended Albany State College in Albany, Georgia where he earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Elementary Education in 1954. While a student there, he played football and was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on November 30, 1951 and later served as Dean of Pledgees. William then joined the United States Army in October of 1954 and served as a Medical Corpsman, while stationed in Ansbach, Germany for one year. He was bestowed with an honorable discharge in July 1956. He later attended Atlanta University and earned a Master of Science (MS) degree in Math and Science Education in 1959. His final pursuance in education was an Education Specialist degree, where he earned an (EdS) in Education Administration and Supervision at Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Georgia in 1977. William was a well-loved educator and touched the lives of many students while teaching Mathematics in Polk and Dougherty Counties as well as Science in Brooks County for many years. He is still widely known and beloved by many of his students. William joined Bethel A. M. E. Church at an early age and served faithfully for over 80 years. He was an outstanding singer, serving in many choirs at Bethel A. M. E. Church to include the Senior, Gospel, Junior, and Male Choirs, and was renowned by all for his vocal abilities. Being a consummate performer, his talent and showmanship was enjoyed immensely by everyone who bore witness. William married Anna Pearl Reese on December 22, 1957 and to this union two children were born, Charlotte Arnice Small (deceased) and Cheryl Anita Small. On July 18, 1970 William united in holy matrimony with Katie Jordan and two children were born, Chairiese Akaren Small and Chenea Adele Small. Always armed with his infectious humor and witty candor, William always lit up a room with his smile and personality. Known affectionately to all who loved him by many names such as Mr. Small, Buck, Buck Small, Uncle Buck, Small, Uncle Small, Brother in Law, Daddy, Granddaddy, and most adoringly as Bucky Boy by his mother. William was a true patriarch. He loved and adored his family. He cherished his wife, his children, and their offspring. He was a great protector and provider for those that he loved dearly, and always offered life lessons along the way. William went above and beyond the call of duty as a husband, father and grandfather, wanting nothing less for his family but the best to include success as well as happiness. William was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Charlotte Small Elliott, his parents Toby Small and Pinkie Parker Small, and his thirteen siblings: three sisters – Emma Martin, Blanche Small West and Rubye Margret Small and ten brothers – Toby Small, Jr., Swinson Small, Clemmie “Jake” Small, Thomas “Pete” Small, Napoleon Arenza Small, Theodore Roosevelt Small, Calvin Coolidge Small, Charles Lindbergh Small, Woodrow Wilson Small, Herbert Hughes Small. William leaves behind a loving, devoted, and caring wife of 50 Golden Years, Katie Lee Small. He also leaves behind a legacy to include: Children: Rev. Dr. Cheryl (Vernon) Swanier of Columbia, South Carolina, Chairiese Drakes of Columbus, Georgia, and Chenea Small of Powder Springs, Georgia. Grandchildren: Charnesia Elliott, Shekinah Elliott, Chase (Chelsy) Elliott, Attorney Olubunmi (Joshua) Gbadebo, Anna Swanier, Joshua Swanier, Kalei Swanier, Caleb Drakes, Camryn Drakes, and Peyton Ross. Great Grandchildren: MyKye Alexander, Hunter Sands, and Greyson Elliott. In Laws: Catherine Small, Rosa Lee Small, Richard Thomas, Rosa Jordan, J.C. Jordan, JoAnn Jordan, Charles (Tia) Jordan, Joyce (Rick) Bowens, Sam Jordan, and Michael (Alice) Jordan Special Nephew and Nieces: Donald Small, Dr. Barbara Small Morgan, Rita Simon, Carolyn Holiday, Sharon Manning Gay, Pat (Walter) Henry, Maxine Jordan, and Bettina Mundy-Nash. Endearing Cousin: Martha (Gene) Maxwell. Extended Family: Corey Drakes, Timothy Goins, Clint Proctor, Church God Children – Teijerian and Laila Williams, and Special Son and Daughters – Roderick & Tammy Golden, Dondraie Seay, Shonda Brown, and the late Erica Quimbley Loving Caretakers: Mary Lovett, Martha Ware, JoAnn Jordan, Cheryl Holmes, Presbyterian Home Staff & Unit D, and South Georgia Medical Center Unit 2T. Loyal Sisters in Love: Joyce Bowens , Rosa Jordan and JoAnn Jordan. He also leaves behind to cherish his memory numerous, nieces, nephews, relatives, church family and friends.

Public viewing will be held, Friday, August 28, 2020 at the Evelyn McGhee Community Center from 4PM-7PM. The Family “Ride-By” Visitation will also be Friday from 5PM-6PM. Everyone is welcome to ride by the front lawn of The Small Residence.

A private Farewell Homegoing Service will be Saturday, August 30, 2020 at 11AM. Visit this website or our Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home Facebook page to view a live stream of the celebration.

Continue to keep the Small Family in your daily thoughts and prayers.