William Ernest Wolford

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Old Independence Regional Museum
380 S. 9th
Batesville, AR  72501


St. Paul's Episcopal
P.O. Box 2255
Batesville, AR  72503
I served in the Army.
William Ernest WolfordI am a Veteran.

of Batesville, AR

March 23, 1924 - July 28, 2016

William Ernest "Bill" Wolford Sr. died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones on July 28, 2016 in Batesville, Arkansas at the age of 92.

Bill is survived by his wife Alice (Mothershead) Wolford and their four children: Kay (Wolford) Longenbach and spouse, Jim, of Batesville, Arkansas, Debbie (Wolford) DaBoll and spouse, Bill, of Cabot, Arkansas, Anna (Wolford) Vickers and spouse, Kenneth, of Chester, Arkansas and Bill Wolford, Jr. and spouse, Glenda, of Batesville, Arkansas. He was the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren: Amy (Crouch) Howard and spouse, Clint; Nathan Crouch and spouse, Kim; Sarah (DaBoll) Geurtz and spouse James, Will DaBoll and spouse Laura, Alice (Vickers) Pettway and spouse AJ, Mat DaBoll and spouse, Laura; and John Vickers and spouse, Melissa. He was very proud of the fact that all of his grandchildren had college degrees, and even more proud of the fact that none of them smoke. He has eleven great-grandchildren and counting.

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

Bill was born on March 23, 1924 in Cartney, Arkansas to Howard and Eunice (Stark) Wolford. The family moved to Batesville in 1936. He married Alice, the love of his life, on June 25, 1949. They always had a home full of kids and pets, laughter, happiness and good food. They had been married for 67 years when he passed away in their family home after a lengthy illness. Alice lovingly cared for him until the very end. They were truly an exemplary model of relationship for their loved ones. When Bill was a child, he had an accident with a shotgun and he lost most of the fingers on his right hand. He never let this hinder him in any way. When World War II broke out, Bill was determined to enlist and he was a very persistent man. He attempted to enlist in every branch of service to no avail. He finally convinced the Merchant Marines to take him. He worked on a ship in the Pacific Ocean as an oiler. After the war ended, Bill returned to Batesville where he met and married Alice, and they raised their family together. Bill was a successful businessman who managed the family marble quarries for a number of years. He owned and operated the Batesville Ice Plant for several years, and put in a number of subdivisions in Batesville including Wolford Edition, Quail Valley and Wolford Estates.

Bill's children and grandchildren remember him as a kind and involved parent and grandparent who always encouraged them to pursue their dreams and always made sure they knew they were loved and valued. He was an advocate for conservation and a lover of nature, and he passed that love on to his family.

There will be a memorial service in the fall. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Old Independence Regional Museum or St. Paul's Episcopal Church. The family would like to thank Approve Home Medical and Caring Hands Hospice for their dedication and care.

Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville is in charge of the arrangements.

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5 Condolence(s)
Charlie Morris
Batesville, AR
Liked
Friday, August 5, 2016

Sorry to hear about Mr. Wolford! He made a difference!

Phyllis Russell
Batesville, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 2, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a gentle soul and my late father, Fred Russell worked in the marble quarries for him. I enjoyed the stories my dad would tell of their time spent. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Donna Fagan
Batesville,
Liked
Monday, August 1, 2016

I know you are sad at this time but how blessed you are to have such special memories!

Brenda Bissell
Batesville, AR
Liked
Monday, August 1, 2016

Praying for your family at this difficult time. He was a true gentleman that loved his family very much. Praying for comfort and strength in the days to come.

Jena Rutherford
Batesville, AR
Liked
Monday, August 1, 2016

He was always so soft spoken, kind hearted and had the sweetest smile. He will be missed by many. Prayers for the family.