John William Bill Ramsey

John William "Bill" Ramsey, age 90, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away on May 17, 2025. A lifelong Arkansan, he was born on July 30, 1934, in Prairie Grove to William Dean and Wilma Grace Ramsey.

Bill graduated from Prairie Grove High School in 1951 and earned a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Arkansas in 1959, where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He served honorably in the United States Air Force before returning to Prairie Grove to raise his family, contribute to his community, and begin a long career in public service.

Over the course of his life, Bill held many roles-but above all, he was a leader dedicated to the people of Arkansas. He served nine terms, from 1973 to 1990, in the Arkansas House of Representatives, representing District 11 with integrity and care. During his time in the legislature, he was honored to be a member of the Arkansas Legislative Council and served on the Energy Committee. He was a respected voice in economic development and transportation policy, ultimately serving as Executive Director of the Arkansas Good Roads Transportation Council. He also led as President and CEO of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and was a longtime legislative lobbyist for the Associated General Contractors.

An entrepreneur and community builder, Bill owned the Crescent Department Store in Prairie Grove and he served as city treasurer of Prairie Grove and held leadership positions in the Prairie Grove Chamber of Commerce, the Prairie Grove Industrial Development Corporation, the Prairie Grove Lions Club, and played a key role in the Clothesline Fair. He founded Public Relations Consultants of Arkansas, with offices in both Fayetteville and Little Rock. He was on the Bikes, Blues & BBQ board of directors, a member of Fayetteville Downtown Rotary, and the Northwest Arkansas Motion Picture Association.

One of his many gifts was singing and entertaining. When he was a teenager he joined his Uncle Wesley as a member of the Rhythm Wranglers, and in 1970 helped form the Calvary Echoes Gospel Quartet, which went on to release several albums.

Despite his many titles, the one that meant the most was "Poppa." To his family and friends, Bill was a tireless fixer, a storyteller, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His happiest place was the lake house he built by hand-where he welcomed all with a big smile. He was famous for his grilled burgers, waffles and countless boat rides. Whether teaching his grandkids to water ski, patching a broken dock, sharing a quiet sunset, or calling the Hogs, he made life feel full, warm, and joyful.

He was a longtime member of Prairie Grove Baptist Church and more recently a member of Christ's Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Bill met the love of his life, Eva "Beth" Vaught of Elkins, while they were both working at SWEPCO. They married on March 24th, 1961 at the First Baptist Church of Fayetteville, and had 64 wonderful years together. They raised two daughters, Becky Ramsey Mehlburger and Brenda Ramsey Randle (David), both of Fayetteville; four grandchildren; Clancy Jones Semler (Quinn), Chloe Jones, Ramsey Jones, and Harrison Mehlburger; two step-granddaughters; Hannah and Willow Randle and his namesake great-grandson, William Sullivan "Sully" Semler, all of whom absolutely adored and loved him.

He is also survived by his brothers, Bobby Lee (Lois) of Texas, Harold Dean (Jalene) of Prairie Grove and James Donald of Texas.

A visitation will be held Thursday, May 22, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Luginbuel Chapel in Prairie Grove. The funeral service will take place Friday, May 23, at 2:00 PM, also at Luginbuel Chapel.

To know Bill Ramsey was to know a man who loved his family, his hometown, and his state with all his heart. His legacy will live on in the people he mentored, the policies he shaped, and the lives he touched.