Area mourns loss of student, friend

William Criswell, Jr.

The 18-year-old Tyronza native died Saturday, July 11 when his family made the difficult decision to remove him from life-support following a drowning accident the previous weekend.

Criswell was swimming in Sylamore Creek in Mountain View Saturday, July 4 when he was caught by an undercurrent. According to a report published in the Stone County Leader, witnesses heard Criswell yell for help. Willie D. Willbanks said Criswell was in deep water near the bluff on the north side of the creek. Willbanks swam to Criswell but was unable to pull him to the surface. Another witness, Colby Rauls, swam to the spot where Willbanks found Criswell and managed to get Criswell to bluff and assisted with CPR. A boat was used to transport Criswell to the shore where CPR was continued by Allison-Sylamore Fire Department personnel until an ambulance arrived.

Criswell was taken to Stone County Medical Center, then transferred by Air Evac to UAMS. He never regained consciousness.

"We're all in shock," said Dustin Hood. Hood and Criswell were both in the same grade and participated in the JROTC. "It just makes me realize we take life for granted, even the small things. We're going to miss him so much."

Hood said Criswell was an important part of their JROTC team.

"He always made sure things went smoothly," Hood said. "He was such a great guy and everyone liked him."

Col. Clarence Overbay (Ret.), said Criswell was the type of student that made the ROTC proud.

"He was a really easy going guy, but serious about activities around the military," said Col. Overbay. "He was really conscientious and continually worked to improve his physical fitness."

Criswell had been in Army JROTC for three years. Last year he attended Junior Cadet Leadership Course at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He was a member of the Unit Marksmanship and Cadet Challenge Team (physical fitness). In addition to his activities with the JROTC, Criswell also played the tuba in the MTHS band and was a member of Black Oak Baptist Church.

"He was very dedicated and well disciplined," said Col. Overbay. "He was ranked a Sergeant Major, one of the higher ranks we have in JROTC."

Col. Overbay said Criswell took great pride in his military uniform and will be buried in it at the request of his family. And, as in life, his ROTC friends will be close by his side.

"We can't do a military type funeral, but the students are wanting to take part," said Col. Overbay.

Overbay said the students will wear their uniforms to the service and carry flags while leading the casket to the burial site.

"It's going to be tough on some of them," said Col. Overbay. "It's going to be tough on everybody."

Criswell's military roots didn't just start with ROTC. He had several family members who were veterans including his father William Criswell Sr., uncle Sammy Criswell and cousin Jeff Criswell who all served in Iraq with the Arkansas National Guard 1123rd Transportation Company.

"A lot of his family were military, and one of his goals was to be part of the military after he graduated," Col. Overbay said.

While Criswell may not have the opportunity to serve his country in the Army, there is little doubt that he will nonetheless be remembered as a young man of courage. He exemplified the core values of the Army: Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.

Criswell is survived by his father, William E. Criswell, Sr. of Tyronza; mother Lisa Knight of Bigelow; brother Jasup Criswell of Oxley; four sisters: Debbie Criswell of Forrest City, Ashley Criswell of Tyronza, Tiffany Criswell of Tyronza and Faith Criswell of Oxley; and paternal grandmother Emily Criswell of Swifton.

Visitation is 12-2 p.m. Thursday from at Murphy Funeral Home in Marked Tree. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. with Chad Stoddard officiating. Burial will follow in Tyronza Cemetery.