William "Bill" Howell Cassaday

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Visitation Schedule
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
Friday, March 23, 2018
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home Chapel
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
Friday, March 23, 2018
1:00 p.m.
Cemetery
Forest Hills Memorial Park
10201 S. Highway 5 North
Alexander, AR  72002
I served in the Army.
William "Bill" Howell CassadayI am a Veteran.

of Little Rock, AR

September 20, 1923 - March 19, 2018

William Howell "Bill" Cassaday, age 94 of Little Rock, Arkansas died Monday, March 19, 2018. Bill was born on September 20, 1923 in Memphis, TN to his late parents, E. H. and Bess Cassaday. He lived in Memphis until he was 19 graduating from Memphis Tech High School in June of 1941 and then went on to join the Army on February 4, 1943.

Following graduation and entering the armed forces, Bill held numerous jobs: Thom McHan Shoe Warehouse, South Bell Telephone Co., Bruce Lumber Co. and Fisher Aircraft as a riveter. Bill joined the 511th Parachute Infantry at Ft. Oglethorpe, GA induction center. He remained in the 511th for the duration of the war. He was in combat once when the 511th invaded Leyte entering one side of the island on a rainy thanksgiving morning and coming out on the other side on Christmas morning 1944.

After the war, he went to the University of Tennessee, graduating in 1950. There was a University radio workshop on the campus where he joined and became an announcer for two years. He wrote a form letter to 24 radio stations in east Arkansas, west Tennessee and north Mississippi. He had an audition at KBTM in Jonesboro and began working there on July 9, 1951. Jonesboro is where he met his wife, Ruth. They were married on May 29, 1953. In October of that year, Bill and his family, Ruth, Ronnie, Eddie - Laura Beth who was born 5 years later all moved to Little Rock. He had a job at KLRA radio where he worked for 2½ years. From there, Bill retired from KARK Radio and Television after 29 years. In addition, he was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church and the Pinnacle Sunday School class for many years.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Cassaday and one half brother, Jack Cassaday. He is survived by two sons, Ron Cassaday of Maumelle and Ed Cassaday of Little Rock; one daughter, Laura Beth Leftwich (Drew) of Forest, VA; two grandsons, Shane Cassaday and Greyson Leftwich; four grand-daughters, Chantay Cassaday, Genny Couch, Addison Leftwich and Victoria Cassaday; four great-grandsons, Jude Lane, Palmer Couch, Collier Couch and Micah Cassaday and three great-granddaughters, Abigail Lane, Reece Mallory Couch and Neely Kay Couch.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 23, 2018 at Roller Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR (501) 224-8300 with Chaplain Stacey Hammons officiating. A visitation will begin one hour prior to services. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park with Military Honors.




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5 Condolence(s)
DW
Cordova, TN
Liked
Thursday, March 29, 2018

So sorry for your loss may you find peace and comfort in the words spoken at 2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4" Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God

Karen Ligon Wagnon
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, March 26, 2018

Ronnie, Eddie and Laura Beth, I wish to offer my sincere condolences on the loss of your father last week. I was sad to read it. I know what a difficult time it is. I lost both of mine within 18 months of each other a few years ago. I was just not prepared for such a loss. We never are. However, you, too, can look back over your lives and remember how precious they were to you. Your mom was a doll - loved her to pieces. Your dad was a very gracious man with his beautiful voice and such a gentleman. I know he loved you well. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. In sympathy, Karen.

Bob Sweeten
Hot Springs Village, AR
Liked
Friday, March 23, 2018

Ron and Eddie so sorry for the loss of your dad .

Harold Higgins
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 22, 2018

As an engineer at KARK-TV, I worked with Bill for many years beginning in 1968. He was a good friend and I remember that he was always a professional at what he did at the station. I am saddened to hear of his passing. May the Lord bless each member of his family and help them through this time.

Carolyn Long
Fayetteville, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 22, 2018

I have very fond memories of Bill. He was an integral part of our KARK-TV newsroom in the decade that I was there. ALWAYS kind, helpful and dependable and I will always remember his beautiful voice. I was honored to work with him and know him and will relish our reunion when we meet again in Heaven. May our LORD comfort you in the loss of this sweet gentleman.
Carolyn Long