William Clyde "Bill" Huddleston

Send Flowers

Visitation Schedule
Roller Crouch Funeral Home
510 E. College
Batesville, AR  72501
Friday, May 13, 2005
4:00-8:00 PM
Service Schedule
First United Methodist Church
615 Main Street
Batesville, AR  72501
Saturday, May 14, 2005
10:00 AM
Cemetery
Aberdeen Baptist Church Cemetery
.....
Morgantown, KY  ....
William Clyde "Bill" Huddleston

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 May 11, 2005. Born July 24, 1933 in Newport, he was the son of Fanny Pelley and Clyde Huddleston. He served as a Baptist minister from the time he was in high school until 1967 when he felt called into a broader ministry. This ministry over the next 40 years touched an untold number of lives, helping to improve the circumstances of society's castaways. He spent the last 30+ years as teacher of the Chaney Fellowship Class at First United Methodist Church in Batesville. He was a graduate of Baylor University, Southern Seminary, and the University of Cincinnati.

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 White River Medical Center, White River Area on Aging, CARTI, and the emergency medical system, now Vital Link.

These efforts were recognized by numerous awards. Selected as Young Man of the Year in El Dorado in 1967, Bill went on to achieve many other awards during his lifetime. He was selected Board Member of the Year, Arkansas Regional Medical Program; Outstanding Arkansas Citizen Award, Arkansas House of Representatives; Arkansas Association of Human Services Providers, Provider of the Year; Outstanding Rural Health Administrator, National Rural Primary Care Association; President, Arkansas Council of Community Health Centers; Region VI Distinguished Service Award, National Council of Community Mental Health Centers, New Orleans; Board of Directors, Mental Health Corporations of America, Tallahassee, FL; Secretary-Treasurer, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), Tucson, AZ. While these awards represent the diversity of Bill's accomplishments, what you come back to is his sense of community ministry which was actually serving his fellow man.

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 First United Methodist Church in Batesville on Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 10:00 AM with Reverend LaVon Post, Reverend Raymond T. Ward, and Reverend David Coleman officiating.

Visitation will be Friday, May 13, 2005 from 4:00-8:00 PM at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home.

Burial will be Sunday at 2:00 PM in the Aberdeen Baptist Church Cemetery in Morgantown, Kentucky. Arrangements are by Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville (870) 793-4161

Memorials may be made to the Wilbur D. Mills Center, Attn: Bernis Medlock, P.O. Box 2578, Batesville, AR 72503


Sign Guestbook

31 Condolence(s)
alton keeney
,
Liked
Thursday, January 2, 2014

sorry to hear about ur dad

Robin Money
Batesville, AR
Liked
Wednesday, May 25, 2005

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

Pam Clark
Cave City, AR, AL
Liked
Monday, May 23, 2005

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

Mary Ann Campbell
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, May 23, 2005

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

Debbie & Jay Goddard
Batesville, AR
Liked
Friday, May 20, 2005

May God be with you and your family during these difficult times. Your in our thoughts and prayers.

Viki (Dudley) Brown
Ocean Springs, MS
Liked
Wednesday, May 18, 2005

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.

Sue & Frank Smith
Batesville, AR
Liked
Wednesday, May 18, 2005

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.

Patty Enderlin
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, May 18, 2005

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

Fred Grubbs
Tucson, AZ
Liked
Wednesday, May 18, 2005

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/

Shirlene O'Daniel
Mooresville,, IN
Liked
Monday, May 16, 2005

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

Charles Hadden
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, May 16, 2005

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 Farmer
Batesville, AR
Liked
Monday, May 16, 2005

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

Ray and Shauna Tipton
Ashdown, AR
Liked
Monday, May 16, 2005

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

Joe Flaherty
Cabot, AR
Liked
Sunday, May 15, 2005

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.

Ernie and Jan Daniel
Batesville, AR
Liked
Saturday, May 14, 2005

We want to extend our sympathy to all the family. We are so sorry, Kim, in the loss of your Dad -

Carl and Lawanda Berry
Batesville, AR
Liked
Saturday, May 14, 2005

He will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathy to the family.

Sandra Pankey
Newport, AR
Liked
Saturday, May 14, 2005

Flener: I was saddened to read of your loss in the paper this morning, as I know you have had some wonderful years together.

Melissa Magness South
Caruthersville, MO
Liked
Saturday, May 14, 2005

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

Judith Jackson
Magnolia, AR
Liked
Saturday, May 14, 2005

Condolences to the family and friends.

JOHNNY & STARR
BATESVILLE, AR
Liked
Saturday, May 14, 2005

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

Birdie and Carol Rogers
Cave City, AR
Liked
Saturday, May 14, 2005

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.

david&louann fulbright
batesville, AR
Liked
Saturday, May 14, 2005

So sorry for your loss. David & Lou Ann Fulbright

Paula Grimes
Melbourne, AR
Liked
Friday, May 13, 2005

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.

VIRGIL & LOUISE ZASTROW
EDELSTEIN, IL
Liked
Friday, May 13, 2005

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.

Virgil & Helen Sweeney
Peoria, IL
Liked
Friday, May 13, 2005

Our prayers are with you

Ernestine Marlin
Melbourne, AR
Liked
Friday, May 13, 2005

Sorry to hear of Bill's death. He has been in my home with my cousin, Ray Cockrill.

Keith Rutledge
Batesville, AR
Liked
Friday, May 13, 2005

Bill was a great visionary who not only dreamed big but produced results for real people. He will be greatly missed.

Max K. Maxwell
Batesville, AR
Liked
Friday, May 13, 2005

In memory of all the help Bill has been to the less fortunate of this area.

veronica goodloe
little rock, AR
Liked
Friday, May 13, 2005

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

LaVerne Morgan Long
Newport, AR
Liked
Friday, May 13, 2005

I will miss my good friend of 68 years. Peace be with him.

Sonya West
Locust Grove, AR
Liked
Thursday, May 12, 2005

A Great Man we will never forget.