Billy "Bill" Joe Criner

Billy “Bill” Joe Criner, 64, of Sherwood, Arkansas, passed away from this life on Friday, March 17, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born in Stuttgart, Arkansas on February 9, 1959 to Joseph Carrol and Betty Jean Furr Criner.

Bill was able to grow up in multiple cities such as California, Chicago (where he fell in love with the Chicago Cubs at a very early age), and finally Arkansas where he raised his family. Bill loved all sports, having coached, played, and cheered them all on. He loved playing coed and men’s league softball. Even poker and bowling were a great time for Bill. He was known for being very competitive. And he was also known for being a great friend, humble in his giving to others, and protective to his family. He would bend over backwards for anyone at any time. But one thing was evident: his greatest pride in his life was his Mom, his daughters, and his grandchildren. 

Left to cherish his memory is his mother, Betty Criner of Pine Bluff; daughters Charity Criner Monroe of Sherwood and Carly Criner of North Little Rock; grandchildren Rilee Monroe, Landyn Monroe, Madesyn Monroe, Rory Monroe, Billy Maverick Hatsell, and Dawson Tate Hatsell; lifelong partner and mother of his children, Judy Criner; a sister, Tonya West; an uncle, Darrel White; step-son Michael Jason Daniel (Latisha) of Little Rock; and an extended host of family and close lifelong friends who will miss Bill greatly. He is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Carrol Criner as well as several loved aunts and uncles.  

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 2:00pm at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home with a visitation to be held one hour prior at 1:00pm.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith North Little Rock, Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114. (501) 758-1170. Sign the guestbook atwww.smithfamilycares.com.