of Little Rock, AR

October 18, 1937 - February 28, 2023

In loving and wonderful memory of William "Bill" Irving Heaston, 85, of Little Rock, Arkansas who passed away in the presence of his beloved wife, Myra Jane Heaston.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Bill moved with his family to Cotter, Arkansas where he grew up with his four brothers and two sisters. An avid basketball player, he received a walk on scholarship to the University of Arkansas basketball team, but elected to study Electrical Engineering. After graduating from college, Bill began a long career with Southwestern Bell that took him all over the state of Arkansas and beyond. It is also where he met a beautiful blue-eyed blonde selling tickets to a Hawaiian luau and the rest is history. Bill and Jane married soon after that meeting, remained best friends, husband and wife, adventurers, travelers and parents to Jodi Rebecca Heaston.

From lineman to executive, Bill worked in many capacities for SWB, including an assignment to AT&T where he commuted to New York City from Arkansas. Bill and Jane moved to Saint Louis, Missouri to both work out of SWB headquarters. When Bill was offered an assignment in England, they set out on another adventure, where Bill oversaw the startup of West Midlands Cable in Birmingham, England. The overseas experience fed the couple's love of travel and meeting new friends. Fort William, Scotland became a favorite of Bill's. Upon an early retirement from SWB, Bill and Jane returned to Little Rock and the beauty of Arkansas.

Once back in Little Rock, Bill became a financial advisor for Ameriprise and the founding member of Larry Root & Associates. He continued to work into his late 70s.

The other constant in Bill's life was his dedication to serving others. Almost a lifelong member of The Lion's Club and World Services for the Blind, Bill served in various executive roles at the local, state, regional and international levels. His greatest fulfillment was collecting used eyeglasses and providing them to those in need all over the world. Bill was awarded almost every service recognition from Lions International, including the Melvin Jones Award. He also served at the request of Arkansas Governor, Asa Hutchinson, as an advisor for blind services. An active member of Highland Valley Methodist Church, he gave his heart in service through various local and state outreach programs.

Whether through his careers or through service, Bill's passion in life was seeing the possibilities in others and giving them the skills and services needed to achieve a better life. It was his greatest gift. He truly dedicated his life to others.

In the last few years and with Jane by his side, Bill enjoyed his time tending and growing his thriving garden, playing with his beloved corgis, Jules and Brecon and traveling to one of his favorite places, the Grand Tetons. He loved going to California to visit his daughter.

Bill lived a wonderful life.

He is survived by his wife, Myra Jane Wilson Heaston and his daughter, Jodi Rebecca Heaston; his brothers, Chuck Heaston and Buzz Heaston and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held this Thursday, March 9 from 2-5 pm at Roller Chenal. Flowers may be sent there.
Donations in his name may be given to World Services for the Blind.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com