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.
Sign Guestbook
19 Condolence(s)
Judy Raines
Sunday, March 12, 2023
Remembering what a nice man he was to work for at SWBT and how much he loved his family. Condolences to his family.
Judy Raines
Susan and Peter Cheney
Friday, March 10, 2023
We never met Mr Heaston ,but heartfelt
wishes to Jodi and her mother Jane in this time of your loss .
Denise Strackbein
Friday, March 10, 2023
He was always kind and giving. Enjoyed his homegrown vegetables and beautiful garden. He was a blessing to so many.
Mike and Dianna Zlaket
Thursday, March 9, 2023
We are blessed to know part of Bill through his incredible daughter Jodi. She has shared so many heartfelt stories of her dad. A favorite for us has always been their horse racing history; dating back to the original Churchill Downs owner reserved boxes they frequented and their participation in a racing stable of beautiful thoroughbreds. What a wonderful life!
Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. Ours heart go out to you both at this difficult time. Please know we are here to help in any way we can.
Sending you both hugs, whiskey and the winner circle! You have the best angel looking out for you now.
All our love, Mike and Di Zlaket
Madison & Brandon Cobb
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Sending all the love and hugs your way during this difficult time. So incredibly happy that you are a part of our lives. I know the journey and healing ahead will be tough, but know that you are surrounded by so many people that would like to support and love you both.
Valerie Diane Mobberley
Thursday, March 9, 2023
We met Bill and Jane, when they became our neighbours and very dear friends. We all had so much fun together, on days out and on holiday when we visited them in Arkansas.
Bill we have so many great memories of you, a great life well lived.
From Val & Paul, Helen, Andrew, Julie and Family
Charles R. Nelson
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Bill, you had high positive regards for everyone you met. Your thoughtfulness, honesty and kindness will be remembered and missed dearly. I enjoyed our phone conversations and discussions during our Connection class. As fellow church members you certainly were a beacon to others. I know your faith has been rewarded and I pray you are eternally happy.
Cindy Riley and David Nuell and Poppy
Thursday, March 9, 2023
We had the pleasure of meeting Jane and Bill only a few times but what a pleasure it was! He was an Angel of a man.
Fly high, Bill.
Lee Kittrell
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Bill and I went through training to become certified financial planners
Many Happy Memories
Peace my friend
Jerry Mulach
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Bill and I were office buddies at Ameriprise Financial. We had a lot in common since we both worked for large corporations before retiring and becoming Financial Advisors and we both had daughters, who we proudly talked about often. Carol and my hearts and prayers go out to Jane and Jodi. Bill was a great guy. We will all miss his cheerful smile and friendly manner.
Betty Atkins
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
So sorry that Bill is no longer with us.
I remember all the times we were together at sorority events,etc.
I was pleased that you & Bill were
Present for my 85th birthday party.
He will be missed and know that you & Jodi have many fond memories
of your life with Bill. God Bless
Linda Valentine
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Buck and I were very sad to read about Bill. We both either worked for, or coordinated, with him at SWBT. He was always very nice to both of us. Prayers for comfort for you and Jodie
Mrs. Andrea Alexander Dalziel
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
We befriended Bill when he was over in England on work commitments. Our friendship continued after he and Jane left England to return back home to Little Rock, and they made us so welcome when we visited them a couple of times times in their lovely home. Bill had a great sense of humour, one of the hi lights of our holiday being the day spent at Oak Lawn watching the horse racing , plenty of laughs, hardly any bets successful, but the hot dogs were great. !!!!.
May he Rest In Peace Amen.
Andrea Dalziel.
Morris Casper
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
So sorry about the loss of Bill. The world will be missing a great person. He always had a smile to share.
Take care.
Cousin Morris & Pat
Richard and Judy Dorsch
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Bill accomplished so much in his life. What a great guy.
Tammie Lee
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
I enjoyed the visits to Tennessee. I'm glad I had the chance to meet Bill. He was a sweet man. He will be missed.
Jane
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
I never met Mr. Heaston but I know he must have been an amazing human being as he left an amazing legacy in his daughter Jodi. My heart and prayers go out to the Heaston family. Mr. Heaston is now with our Lord, pain free and watching over his family from above.
Scott L Minton
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Bill and I shared many memories of working for Ma Bell. He was a good friend and will be missed.
Claude and Carol Spradlin