Billy Wilder

Ark. Billy Ed "Bill" Wilder, 83, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Aug. 18, 2014, at Arkansas Hospice. He was born in Chattanooga on July 19, 1931. As a young man, his love of sports led him to play first base for the Little Rock Dough Boys baseball team. Bill served in the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Air Force. He was a Baptist. In his twenties and thirties he sang solos and was in quartets at Harvey Hicks Memorial Baptist Church. Later, he was in quartets, sang solos and became the music director at Nalls Memorial Baptist Church. Bill made his living as a truck driver for many years. He then became an x-ray technician, working at Fort Roots and the Arkansas State Health Department, and retired from Conway Children's Colony. For over 50 years, Bill's number one hobby was square dancing. He combined his love of singing with dancing and became a caller. Bill was a popular caller for many square dance clubs in central Arkansas. He was a golfer, loved traveling the U.S. and was an avid Razorback fan. His gregarious personality brought him oceans of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Kathleen Wilder; his first wife, Peggy Jean Wilder; his second wife, Barbara Ann Wilder; his stepson, Jerry Smith; and his brother, Jack Wilder. His is survived by his three daughters, Karen (Keith) Taylor, Debra (Jim) Merkel and Pam Wilder; sister, Malinda Guest; five step-children, Tommy (Karen), Vickie, Mike (Terry), Chris and Joel Smith; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren; and many other loving family members in Chattanooga. Services will be at 1 p.m. today, Aug. 22, at the funeral home, officiated by Dr. Keith Taylor. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, 14 Parkstone Circle, N. Little Rock, AR 72116. Bill's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Road). 501-224-2200.