Billy Black

Billy Jack Black passed from this life Monday, March 12, 2012 at his home in Waldron, Arkansas. Bill was born July 20, 1932 to the late Doyl Black and Winnie (Smith) Black. As a young boy, Bud Rice lived right across the street from Bill?s home and liked to recall that he remembered the night Bill was born. Bill?s mother Winnie Winchell and his grandmother Mae Bethel Smith, were there for him during his growing up years and later. Bill forged many friendships during his youth in Waldron. In particular, Kerwin Ashford and Roy D. Mills, remained close friends throughout his lifetime. Bill was a Boy Scout in Vernon T. Baugh?s Scouts. They made float trips on the Fouche and Quachita Rivers. Bill recalled one night on a float trip that a storm came and blew down his and Kerwin?s tent. He couldn?t awaken Kerwin so he finally gave up and went to a dry tent himself. Bill reminisced that the scouts often played an adventure game called Capture the Flag. He remembered wading through Poteau Creek to capture the flag. Bill said later he ?wouldn?t let a kid of mine play that.? Kerwin and Bill played high school basketball together and enjoyed recounting their shared memories. Roy D. Mills played basketball too and was also in the Baugh Scout Troop. Once, during a high school play called ?Grandpa Steps Out? Roy played a trick on Johnnie Sue Crutchfield and wired up the prop phone to be live. Johnnie Sue was flabbergasted when she picked up the prop phone and got a dial tone. With Roy?s help, this became an outstanding comedy. Also, during Bill?s high school years, he worked at Baber Drug for Oscar and Martha Baker. Sports were a big part of Bill?s boyhood and young adulthood. During his baseball years he pitched and his friend, Wayne Davis caught. After high school he continued to play, venturing to California where he worked at Rohr Aircraft and played baseball for their company team. After returning to Arkansas, Bill then played for a Waldron adult team called The Waldron Redlegs. He was drafted into the US Army in 1952 and served two years. At the time of his discharge he ranked as a Sgt E5 and was training recruits to be company clerks. His 11th Armored Calvary Division was scheduled to go to Korea when the truce was signed. Bill said of his army service the loneliest time was when taps played, signaling ?lights out.? After discharge from the Army in 1954, he worked a short while for the Waldron Furniture Factory. His cousin, Raymond Black, encouraged him to pursue college on the GI Bill at the College of the Ozarks in Clarksville. In contrast, Raymond?s father, Atticus Black, scoffed ?You?re never going to college? prompting Bill to resolve to go to college with the sentiment ?I?ll show him!? Bill married the girl next door, Jo Ann Marsh, in 1956. He finished pre-pharmacy at the College of the Ozarks and subsequently graduated from U of A Pharmacy School in Little Rock in 1961. That same year, Bill moved back to Waldron starting a news business and his family. He formed B & B Drug with Martha Baber and his son Brad was born in December 1961. Bill loved his family and his job. He loved going to work and always said he had ?The best customers.? From 1961 to 1991 he kept coffee at a nickel a cup. Also during his early years in business he met Britt Cordell, pastor of the United Methodist Church. Brother Cordell was a positive influence on Bill and he was saved and joined the church during the time Brother Cordell was pastor. Along with establishing a family and a business, Bill also started an American Legion Baseball Team. His friend, J.C. McChristian, coached the team. There was no home court, so all the games were played away. Bill also started fishing at this time. This became a time of relaxation and renewal. His friend, Dr. H.B. Wright and he fished weekly for many years until Dr. Wright?s death. Afterwards, Bill sold his boat and stopped fishing. He discovered a new hobby, however?.Golf. Bill played golf with both friends and family and in particular, enjoyed golf with his son, Brad. Bill was well-known to many as a Pressure Player- the more the pressure, the better he liked it. During his later years, he was content to be home. He enjoyed watching Razorback Basketball and Football and even the Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune. He enjoyed watching golf tournaments on TV, especially to marvel over Tiger Woods ability to play golf. Bill always loved his children coming home to visit ?so he could get something good to eat.? Growing up, Brad worked at the drug store, as did his daughter Mary. Buck Byford said Mary reminded him of Billy Jack, and referred to her as ?Mary Jack.? His youngest daughter Laura?s special times was when she and her dad would hunt for a Christmas tree ach December or go to Truman Baker Park to eat an after school burger they picked up at Charbroiler. Bill leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 55 years, Jo Ann Black; one son,Brad Black of Parker, Colorado, two daughters Mary Ballard and husband, Charlie Ray of Gravelly, Arkansas and Laura Black of Little Rock, Arkansas, five grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Bill also leaves behind one sister Myrian Matthews of Marian, Arkansas and one nephew Justin Quoss of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Bill is preceded in death in addition to his parents by his step-father, Dude Winchell; brother, Gary Black, and sister, Linda Qross. Bill?s celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Donald Fittin, officiating. Interment will be in Birdsview Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas. Bill?s pallbearer?s will be Terry Plummer, Rick Black, Steve Hattabaugh, John Terrill, Ron Blair, and Dickie Newberry. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jim Girkin, Roy Mills, Dr. Jerry Hoyt, Barry Hogan, Jerry Parker, Gaylon Taylor, Dr. Nathan Bennett, and Johnny Ray Ward. Bill?s visitation will be 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas. Bill?s family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.