My heart goes out to all of Bill's family at this time. I apologize for the length of this tribute, but I have much to say about my good friend and former neighbor.
Bill was one of the finest men I have ever known. When I bought my first house in 2003, at the age of 23, little did I know that I would enjoy such a lasting and deep friendship with my retired neighbor next door. That friendship lived well beyond the 10 years that Bill and I were neighbors.
Early on, "Mr. Bill" and I realized that we shared many common interests, mostly over sports, and a common passion for a well-manicured lawn. Bill was an avid baseball fan, especially for the St. Louis Cardinals. On multiple occasions, Bill and I were able to enjoy Arkansas Travelers games together at Dickey-Stephens Park where he told me of the good ole days of games played at Ray Winder Field. On different occasions, I was able to take Bill to Memphis and to St. Louis to see games . He appreciated the experience of seeing the "new" Busch Stadium, and attending a Cardinals Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Bill loved his family and would always tell stories about small towns in NW Arkansas and NE Oklahoma that I had never even heard of. I don't recall ever meeting any of his family members, but I think I have heard stories about them all. Although Bill was proud of his roots, he embraced living in Searcy for many years. He cheered for our local teams, and got to know all of his neighbors as he was always walking and riding his bike, and stopping to chat. He became a huge fan of Harding University and everything that the school stands for. Although, he was an alum of Arkansas Tech, he came to be one of the biggest Bison Boosters that our community has known. He would often be seen at Harding basketball games (both Men's and Women's) sitting in the same front row seat behind the goal, cheering as loud as anyone. Often times the coaches of the football, baseball, and track teams would spot Bill standing alongside the fence, just to watch practices and say a kind word to the players. Often times, he would say something to the players letting them know something about their hometown that even they didn't know.
Most of all, I appreciate the spiritual conversations that Bill and I had. He was a believer. He read his Bible daily, and often made mention of being prayerful. He was a manly man in the sense that he loved sports and liked to fish, but he was a sensitive and humble man who didn't think too highly of himself and put others first. He served his country, his state, his community, and his young neighbor.
Anyone that knew Bill, has been blessed. I know that I have. I trust that he is hearing the words "Well done, My good and faithful servant." My sincere condolences to the family.
