Bill Jones

Bill Franklin Jones was a true patriot who loved the Lord, his family, and his country. He met the love of his life, Hope, in San Angelo TX, where he was stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base back in the mid-1960's.

Bill was unique in a myriad of ways. Being one of eight children, hunger was something he never forgot. It is fitting that after his years in the service, he became a meat cutter working for Safeway and Kroger stores throughout his career. He gained many loyal customers who always got a kick out of hearing him do his turkey calls from the back of the store. He loved to socialize and had a sharp wit, coming up with silly jokes and banter that kept his friends, family, and co-workers doubled-over with laughter. Jovial is the best word to describe him. Even during the toughest of times, he always preferred to look at the good side of life, not hesitating to thank the Good Lord for his blessings. One of those was his grandson, Donovan, who he helped to raise, taught to hunt, and to always mind his manners.

He was an avid gardener and a very skilled hunter putting squirrel, turkey, wild hog, and deer meat in the freezer for his family. One of his prize trophies was a black bear he killed while hunting in Alaska. His lifelong friend Marlin believes without a doubt, that he holds the record for most deer killed by any Arkansas hunter to date. Without actual proof, we'll just leave it at that.

Bill was all about community, sharing the fruits of his labor from the garden, as well as some of the best cuts of meat. In the 1970's, his surrounding neighbors in the Salem/Pebble Lake community were invited to many backyard barbeques. He didn't want anyone going hungry, always piling mounds of food on everyone's plates. Badminton games with the family were a constant during the latter summer months. Prior to that, it was all about softball, where he coached his two youngest daughters, Liz and Yvonne, who became quite skilled under his direction. Needless to say, they won numerous softball tournaments and the parent's of the other players affectionately called him, "Wild Bill."  That nickname stuck and became his CB radio handle back when it was a popular thing.

He was always looking to help any of his children's friends who needed guidance and advice. There were countless teenagers that seemed to be going in a wayward direction. This did not deter him, and he invited them to the family home for some advice, a bit of discipline to set them straight, and of course, a good meal. These teens affectionately referred to him as their foster dad and he to them as his foster children. There are too many to name, his generosity knowing no bounds.

Four-wheeler riding along many trails in Sheridan with family (some who came from Texas,) along with the Fleming brothers and their families was another Springtime ritual. Bill always brought the meat for grilling while the women brought all the sides. Nighttime riding through the trails was an absolute favorite of everyone who came. He immensely treasured this bonding time between family and close friends. His nephews, Jason and James, spent several summers with the family, always waiting in anticipation for the next ride.

After retiring, he wasn’t ready to call it quits. He fulfilled his passion by building a butcher shop on the back of his property, aptly naming it "B.J.'s deer processing." Using all the skills he honed as a top-notch meat cutter, his business grew exponentially. He had to expand the shop and increase the number of freezers in order to accommodate the influx. Another of his favorite past-times was making homemade wine. Many customers walked away with a fully processed deer at the most affordable rate in the county along with a bottle of his homemade wine. (Apparently, he didn't want anyone going thirsty either, and as you might expect, the word got around.)

Bill found yet another calling when he became a member of the Avilla Zion Lutheran Church near his home. The elders and members of the church created a food pantry in order to serve the less fortunate. Bill thrived as he worked the pantry. He helped pack and carry food boxes to people's cars. Any significant amounts of meat that were donated, he always processed for free in order to be able to distribute the abundance to others. He grilled and cooked many meals for church gatherings and for former Avilla Pastor Mike Schleider and his wife Kim, whom he deeply admired and respected.

Before Bill became so seriously ill, he liked to fill his days with small shopping sprees. He frequented the grocery stores and the Dollar General's near his home because he loved being in a store atmosphere where he could socialize and joke with the cashiers and stockers. He continued to buy an abundance of groceries to share because he didn't want anyone going hungry. His wife, Hope, is convinced the local stores will miss the sales as much as his presence.

Bill leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of fifty-six years, Hope Jones of Alexander, Arkansas; children:  Laura L. Beck and husband John of Alexander, Arkansas, Christopher L. Murphy of Dallas, Texas, Elida E. Jones of Alexander, Arkansas, and Yvonne J. Smith of Alexander, Arkansas; many foster children, including four he and Hope raised:  Jimmy Lewis, twin girls: Rae and Renee Lewis, and Susan Harrison; grandchildren:  Donavan M. Henson, Jacqueline R. Beck, and DeLeah M. Porter and her husband Patrick; great-grandchildren: Enki Melton, Deacon Melton, and Thomas Ray Griffith; brothers:  Paul Jones and Joe Jones both of Benton, Arkansas; sister, Martha “Chick” Jones of Little Rock, Arkansas; and countless family members and friends who love Bill and will miss him always.

Bill has left an impressive long-lasting legacy. Saying he will be deeply missed by his wife, family, and friends is an understatement. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate funds to the Avilla Christian Academy Gym fund. They need a new ceiling installed in the children's gym; a dream and a common vision that he shared with his wife, Hope.

Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 PM, Thursday, December 9, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home in Benton, Arkansas.  Funeral service held at 9:30 AM, Friday, December 10 at Zion Lutheran Church (Avilla), 300 Avilla East, Alexander, Arkansas with burial following at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.