of Little Rock, AR
July 24, 1933 - May 11, 2005
William Clyde ''Bill'' Huddleston, 71, of Batesville entered into the presence of the Lord on
In 1974, he assumed leadership of what would become the North Arkansas Human Services System, now renamed Health Resources of Arkansas (HRA), which provides numerous housing, counseling, drug and alcohol rehabilitation services.
Bill was a true visionary. It was said of Senator Robert Kennedy, ''Some men see things as they are and say 'why?'. I dream things that never were and say 'why not?''' Bill Huddleston created systems of care that included services to all people no matter their status. His collaborative approach was particularly responsive in an area that had serious shortages of basic health and human services. In addition to developing HRA by whom he was employed, Bill was an active leader in many other programs. His reputation for grant writing and securing funding sources was unrivaled. Bill was instrumental in obtaining start-up funds for programs such as
These efforts were recognized by numerous awards. Selected as Young Man of the Year in
Bill's deep love of mankind was exemplified through the love he had for his family. Always the protector and provider, he was the consummate patriarch. God's unconditional love was reflected through his love for his wife, children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Frances Flener of the home; a son, Mark Huddleston of Colorado Springs, Colorado; a daughter, Kim Huddleston Wagster of Batesville; four grandchildren Heather and Jamie Huddleston of Colorado Springs, Colorado and David and Lauren Wagster of Batesville.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Jane Lamitina.
Pallbearers are Phillip Lamitina, Marcus Bowers, Fred Gray, Joe Don Reynolds, Jim West and Ed Wiles. Honorary pallbearers are the Chaney Fellowship Class, Board of Directors and Staff of Health Resources of Arkansas, Inc., Mary Aleese Schreiber, Tom Grunden, Herman Lee, and Tommy Mitchum.
The funeral will be held at the
Visitation will be
Burial will be Sunday at
Memorials may be made to the
sorry to hear about ur dad
Fran & Kim, It was such an honor for me to know Bill. He always made me feel that he cared for me no matter what. He was a such a great Christian and teacher. When my mother passed, I took comfort in knowing that she was with God and that He had great plans for her. I know that Bill is by God's side now and that they are making great plans. I know you both miss him deeply. He will be missed by many. My heart goes out to you. Robin
Dear Fran & Kim, There is much sorrow in my heart knowing that Bill has departed from this Earth, but can I say several great things about him: Bill always had a wonderful smile on his face wherever, whenever you saw him; He was the greatest Sunday School Teacher I ever had; He always had a way of cheering up a person even thou they may not know they were down; and finally for me the greatest thing He ever did was to take time, "break-it-down" & help me understand the Bible when I first started back in the S.S. class we were all goinh to ( without making me feel insecure). He instilled a deep desire to want to read and understand the Bible. Bill will forever be a true Christian friend that I feel privileged to have meet in my life time. My prayers are with you both and the rest the family, Pam
Bill was fun, smart, and hard working. He preformed our wedding ceremony 32 years ago. I regret we haven't stayed in touch. What a great person. Guy and Mary Ann Campbell
May God be with you and your family during these difficult times. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill played a very important roll in my life as a pre-teen and teenager in Newport, AR. He was youth minister at First Baptist Church and I have fond memories of his time there and his religious influence on me and many others my age. He was always wise beyond his years. My prayers are with his family and I know God welcomes home his good and faithful servant.
Fran--Since the Arkansas Traveler trip in '92 friendship with you and Bill has been treasured. His integrity took politics to a higher level, and he will be missed by so very many. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Frances, my thoughts and prayers have been wtih you all week. I was out of town last weekend and returned only to see Bill's smiling face in his picture - just as I have always remembered him. Charles and I are so saddened by your loss. Our love to you and Bill's family. Patty and Charles Enderlin
My thoughts and prayers to Bill's family. He was a childhood friend from Newport. I even rented a little apartment from Bill's mom for a short time in the 50's. Again, my best wishes during your time of sorrow/
Mark & Kim, So sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. Allow God to carry you through this difficult time. Shirlene
Brother Bill as he was known then,performed the marriage ceremony for me and my first wife in January,1968,after he had been the minister at Trinity Baptist Church in ElDorado.He always impressed me as a great man and man of God.He will be missed.
Gaylon and I will miss Bill, but he will always be with us. When I think of Bill I see a smiling face ,friend and teacher and then I have a big smile on my face. I've been so blessed to have you and Bill as my friends.I'm so sadden for you and my heart goes out to you my friend , you are so special to me . I'm here and ready to help in any way I can. Love Linda Farmer
We will never forget Bill. You all have a special place in our hearts. I know it has been over 12 years since we lived in Batesville but it just seems like yesterday. Bill just seemed to have so much love for everyone he was around and touched everyone he met in a special way. We chose Bill to marry us and he will always have that connection in our marriage. Fran and Kim, we love you and you are in our thoughts and prayers. We've tried to call you and will talk to to you soon. With our deepest sympathy, Ray and Shauna Tipton
I join with the many hunderds of Bill's friends who will sorely miss his energy and humanitarism . Our state and communities will feel the pain of his loss. God bless all of you.
We want to extend our sympathy to all the family. We are so sorry, Kim, in the loss of your Dad -
He will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathy to the family.
Flener: I was saddened to read of your loss in the paper this morning, as I know you have had some wonderful years together.
Frances,we are praying for you and the family. We don't seem to be as big a family as we once were. Bill will be missed by all. I'm so sorry that my health keeps me away. Love to all Melissa
Condolences to the family and friends.
ALL OUR LOVE FRAN. SORRY WE COULD NOT BE AT THE FUNERAL. YOU AND THE FAMILY ARE IN OUR HEART S AND PRAYERS. LOVE JOHNNY AND STARR
Sorry we couldn't make it to the funeral. We have only been a part of the Chaney Fellowship class for a short while, but in that time we learned so much from Bill. He was a great teacher of the Bible. Sorry for your loss, but it certainly is God's gain.
So sorry for your loss. David & Lou Ann Fulbright
Fran and ffamily: Bill was loved, admired, and respected by everyone who knew him. What a legacy he leaves behind. His tireless work on behalf of those less fortunate than others will never be forgotten. His love for the Lord and his family was evident in all his endeavors. May God be with you in your sorrow, and may the happy memories overshadow your grief. It was an honor to have worked for and with Bill, and even more of an honor to have known him as a friend. He will be missed.
FRANCES, YOU HAVE OUR SYMPATHY AND WE ARE REMEMBERING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN PRAYER. HE WAS RAY'S BEST FRIEND AND WE WILL REMEMBER HIM AS A VERY CARING PERSON.
Our prayers are with you
Sorry to hear of Bill's death. He has been in my home with my cousin, Ray Cockrill.
Bill was a great visionary who not only dreamed big but produced results for real people. He will be greatly missed.
In memory of all the help Bill has been to the less fortunate of this area.
When I think of Batesville and that area, I think of you and Bill and what you were able to do for the community. Plus, it will all continue from now on. Quite a legacy. I also think of your obvious fondness for each other and how proud you were of each other. I am so glad I got to know Bill--both on the one to one level and hearing about what all he was in to from afar. He was a real innovator and leader. Thinking of you, Veronica Goodloe
I will miss my good friend of 68 years. Peace be with him.
A Great Man we will never forget.