William Clements

Mr. William S. ?Bill? Clements, former Executive Director of the North Little Rock Housing Authority, passed away Sunday, September 7, 2008. He was born February 4, 1921 to Charles Wells and Maggie Smith Clements of North Little Rock. The city where he lived and died held a special place in his heart as did its residents. The Pike Avenue area was home to the Clements family-all the kids? schools, the family?s church and business all were contained within the neighborhood. Bill grew up assisting his father in the family grocery at 18th and Pike Avenue. In 1941 while working at Reed?s Grocery in Little Rock, Bill met and married Flora Beth McAnally. During WWII he served with the 189th Hospital Battalion in France. Upon returning home, Bill continued to work with his father in Clements Grocery until 1947 when he purchased his father?s interest. Clements Grocery continued in the Pike Avenue area until 1961 when Bill became NLR?s Housing Director.
During the almost four decades that Bill served as housing director, the city?s housing authority became a legendary model for housing authorities throughout the United States. The neighborhood grocer who once told a reporter ?about all I knew was how to turn the key in the lock?, became a noteworthy leader and innovator in housing. Beginning with only 250 housing units, Bill grew the city?s portfolio to 1,074 units by the conclusion of his career. He was active in the National Association of Housing and Rehabilitation Officials, having served on the organization?s Board of Governors; President of the Southwest Regional Council; and President of the Arkansas Chapter. In 1998 NAHRO recognized Bill?s service to the organization and the public housing industry by presenting him with it highest and most prestigious award, the Justin Herman Memorial Award. Besides his service to NLR?s Housing Authority, Bill was considered by many as the quintessential citizen working closely with the NLR Women?s Club, the NLR Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts, UAMS and many other civic organizations on numerous projects that benefited the city?s low-income, youth and elderly citizens. His service was recognized and honored by his induction in the NLR Sr. Citizens Hall of Fame, the Housing Hall of Fame, the NLR Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame and his selection as the NLR Chamber?s Citizen of the Year.
Gardner Memorial Methodist Church was Bill?s church home for well over eighty years. He and Beth were members of the Crusader Sunday School class. He served on a variety of committees and boards over his lifetime and was active in the church?s food pantry until his illness prevented his participation.
He is predeceased in death by his parents, Charles Wells and Maggie Clements, his wife of 65 years, Flora Beth McAnally Clements, his siblings Lucille, Charles and Hugh Clements. He is survived by his only child Suzanne Clements Jackson and son-in-law John B. Jackson of North Little Rock, his grandson and wife, Jeff and Amber Jackson of Fayetteville, grandson, Jake Jackson of North Little Rock, his great-grandson Tyler Jackson of Fayetteville, and his brother Lee Clements of Sherwood.
The family would like to thank those who have given of their love, compassion and time in caring for Bill and Beth over the past four years. To JoAnn, Gloria, Pam, Julie, Leslie, Reba, Sue, Pat and the Baptist Hospice care team of Barbara and Janet-you are extraordinary people, each a blessing in her own way. Thanks also to the staff of Home Instead and to Susie of Home Care Professionals for sending these fine people into our lives.
Memorials may be made to Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church, 1723 Schaer Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114.
Funeral services will be held 1:30 P.M. Thursday at Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Pinecrest Memorial Park. Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Wednesday at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest register at www.nlrfh.com.