of Conway, AR
May 4, 1935 - February 28, 2026
Bill L. Nutter, 90, passed away comfortably and gracefully on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Conway, the hometown he loved and with the family he adored at his side. He left a legacy of love and kindness to all he knew, and even many he did not, in the nine beautiful decades of his life.
Billy Lynn Nutter began his fruitful, impactful life on May 4, 1935, as the third of eight children that blessed the late John and Naomi Nutter. They instilled in him and his siblings the values of compassion, determination, and dignity. Those traits, and so many others, carried him through a successful career in education and athletics. His honors are numerous, including induction into the Hendrix College Sports Hall of Honor in 2001, and the Arkansas Track & Field Hall of Fame in 2008, and several coaching honors bestowed upon him.
After graduating from Conway High School in 1953, he stayed home for four years at Hendrix College where he lettered in track, football, and basketball. Prior to his graduation in 1957, he married the love and center of his life, Virginia Henry, on June 10, 1956 at Greene Chapel on campus.
From there, his coaching and teaching career spanned nearly 25 years across Conway Public Schools, North Carolina State, and Central Arkansas. He obtained his doctorate in kinesiology from the University of Arkansas. Virginia obtained a master's degree from the University of Central Arkansas and began her own prestigious career as a teacher and counselor in Conway Public Schools.
Bill's students, athletes, and colleagues respected ''Coach Nutter'' immensely, a testament to an imprint he left upon thousands far and wide. He retired from UCA in 1981, as unselfishly as ever, to spend more time with his family, consisting of his daughters, Ginny Nutter Wood of Little Rock and Julie Nutter Johnson of Conway, and his grandson Beau Wilcox, born to Julie in 1977. He and Virginia became known as ''Pop'' and ''Nan,'' roles they relished, and put these three first in their lives together. Ginny and Julie both became successful UCA students and graduates themselves, forging their own lengthy careers in education and making their parents proud as they always did.
In his retirement, he and Virginia sold Shaklee health products, which they sold to customers who became valued friends the minute the relationship formed. They fully retired from that venture in the late 1990s and began a happy, beautiful post-career life together, which featured traveling with family or on their own, scores of graduations and ballgames, and many meals together at their favorite haunts or at their cozy residence on Shady Lane Drive in Conway, where Bill lived 50 blissful years before moving to his final home at StoneBridge in Conway and was treated incredibly well there until the very end. Pop's final days under the watchful and attentive eyes of Conway Regional Medical Center and Gentiva Hospice were content, and the family thanks them and his longtime, devoted caregiver Jason Hannah for their collective efforts in allowing Pop to live out his final days and years in comfort and peace after Virginia's passing in October 2017.
He was also preceded in death by John and Naomi, and his beloved older siblings Johnny Nutter and Marybeth Powers. He is also survived by his great-grandsons, Beau's children Graham Benjamin Wilcox and Hayes Barrett Wilcox, and five truly treasured siblings, Leroy Nutter, Gary Nutter, Shirley Joffs, Dale Nutter, and Pam Balentine. In addition, he loved and kept close to his heart the spouses of his daughters and grandson, David Wood, Gil Johnson, and Shannon Wilcox.
The family is grateful for the outpouring of genuine love and support and looks forward to welcoming family and friends at Greene Chapel at Hendrix College, where his and Virginia's journey officially began, on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. This celebration of his amazing life shall be followed with fellowship after the ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Faulkner County Humane Society, as Nan and Pop were lovers of all creatures, great and small.
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31 Condolence(s)
Dabort Allen
Sunday, March 8, 2026
I truly admired Dr. Nutter as a professor and as a friend. Condolences to the family.
John Nutter
Sunday, March 8, 2026
Ginny, Julie, Beau and all - To know Bill as an Uncle and older brother to Gary was a wonderful thing. He was such a kind and decent person, and I have such a strong memory of Bill greeting us with a smile and a firm handshake. Over the years, I have heard many stories of acts of kindness by Bill and we are all blessed to have known Bill and Virginia. We send our love and condolences from Rochester.
Joe Isom
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Ginny, Julie, and family, I send my deepest condolences on the passing of your wonderful dad, Coach Nutter to so many who loved him. Growing up in Conway, I knew of him through his remarkable accomplishments in education and athletics, saw him around town, and always admired the sunshine and positive energy that he and your mom radiated together. They were truly a couple to emulate—kind, uplifting, and full of grace. Though our paths didn't cross personally as much as I wish they had, his legacy of love and kindness touched our community deeply. May those beautiful memories bring you comfort in the days ahead. With sincere sympathy and warm thoughts from a fellow Conway native.
Rickey J Gulley
Saturday, March 7, 2026
He such a great man. He will definitely be missed by me and the members of my family.
Bob Blankenship
Friday, March 6, 2026
Dr Nutter was undoubtedly the best instructor I have ever had. and I took every course he taught at UCA.
I never had an instructor so motivational , that I changed my Major to Physical Education, and later later getting my Masters in it. I was UCA when he retired and was saddened for the PE Department in its loss. A stellar individual who loved teaching. I also grew up a couple of blocks from his family and spent lots of time with his brother Dale. Dr Nutters character came from his family. My Grandfather did lots of work for his father in the building trade and he spoke very highly of his father and how great a character he was. I know his siblings will miss him and those of us who knew him can only send our blessings and prayers for his family. Sheriff Bob Blankenship-Retired.
James Mullenax
Friday, March 6, 2026
Very nice man & Coach.
REST IN PEACE
Prayers for the family.
James Mullenax
Kathy Spangler Hamlett
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Ginny & Julie I am saddened to hear of your loss. Your dad & mom were great friends of my parents and so thoughtful. I will be praying for comfort in this time of sorrow.
Ethan & Baylee Shaw
Thursday, March 5, 2026
We are so sorry for your loss. Living across the street on Shady Lane, we will always remember his kindness, his afternoon walks, and the sweet visits over the years as he watched our little family grow. He was such a gentle and wonderful neighbor, and we feel truly grateful to have known him.
- The Shaw Family
Ethan, Baylee, Samuel & Bennett
Shelvie Cole
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Bill leaves a legacy of kindness and dedication to the athletic families in the Conway area. Loving thoughts to his family.
Bruce Battles
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
I can still hear Coach Nutter’s encouragement to keep running from many years ago. A great man whose time and influence changed many lives forever. He loved his family and served as an inspiration to so many. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Conway, his friends, and myself are better because of him. He will be missed and remembered.
Floyd Balentine
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Bill was one of the finest men I ever knew, loved. that man
Glenda Baker
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Pam and family. We are so sad to hear about the loss of Bill. My family, mom, Mary Vann, brother, Jamie Vann, and me, Glenda Vann Baker we all had so much love and respect for Bill. He was always out walking with Virginia and then got out and walked daily until he moved. He visited with mom daily while she was still be his neighbor. Then I moved in and he kept me feeling that this was home after mom died. Jamie always visited with him when he was home. He was just a wonderful and pleasant man that we loved. We wanted you to know that he was one of a kind and was embraced by my family while he lived in Oak Forest. Much love to you all.
Bob Lawrence
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Rest well coach, a great man will be missed by many.
Warren George Lieblong
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Oh I loved Virginia and Bill. Bill my cousin was always a source of information and support. I sought help when I was asked to coach track. I had to admit my information on track was limited to my jr high and high school experience. I sought help on pole vault and in relays and hurdles. Virginia shared her love of her MGA. I my self drove an MGB which I helped build and spent time modifying it to make it safer. They were both valued parts of my family. I have lost touch with the two girls after I graduated from college. I would like to make contact and stay in touch.
Love George Lieblong
Mike Gajeski
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
So sorry to read about Mr Nutter's passing, he and Mrs Nutter left a legacy that will be hard to match, Mrs Nutter was my 6th grade homeroom teacherand she has always had a spot in my heart and now they are together again. May you all cherish your memories and remember the good times in the days to come.
Marta DeBerard
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Bill and Virginia, I can't think of one without the other, were wonderfully influential in my life. They always made me feel loved and appreciated. I have very fond memories of his stories, his laughter, of going in the UCA gym to play volleyball, and how he took me there to swim and stayed for my whole workout He came to my last college volleyball game and helped my mother and I become entrepreneurs with the purpose of helping other people live healthier lives. Like all the Nutters, he was guided by love for family. Run with wings of light Uncle Bill.
Phil Garner
Monday, March 2, 2026
Pam and Family: I am very sorry to read about the passing of your brother. May God wrap His loving arms around you and give you strength and peace in the coming days. God Bless your family.
Sandy Carter
Monday, March 2, 2026
My deepest sympathy to the Nutter family.
Sherill Tester Balaster
Monday, March 2, 2026
There will never be another Pop like Mr. Nutter. I was one of the fortunate people who will forever keep him, and Nan, close to my heart.♥️♥️
Tom and Nancy Erbach
Monday, March 2, 2026
So sorry for your loss. Our families were neighbors for years on South Donaghey. Coach Nutter has always been special to everyone he met.
Fred and Dorothy Morlan
Monday, March 2, 2026
Beau and family—- So sorry for the loss of Pops. Our condolences to all and may you all be blessed with the love that only God can give. Prayers. Dorothy and Fred Morlan
Frances Rackley
Monday, March 2, 2026
Prayers for peace during this difficult time.
Michael Watson
Monday, March 2, 2026
So incredibly sad to hear of Bill's passing. Growing up across the street from each other in Conway, the Nutter family was always very happy and welcoming to our family. Even the last time I saw them, back many years ago when I came down to visit my Dad, he greeted me with a hearty handshake and a beaming smile!
My sincerest condolences go out to Julie, Ginny and their families during this sad time. Y'all will be in our prayers.❤️
Bob Barham
Monday, March 2, 2026
My deepest sympathy and prayers for this good family. Bill was a good friend to my parents, and I always respected him. Rest easy Mr. Nutter (Coach).
Karen Kay Balentine Knight
Monday, March 2, 2026
I’m so sorry for the families loss. Prayers
Beth White
Monday, March 2, 2026
Thinking of you, Julie & your family. Your dad was an amazing man and will be missed by everyone that knew him. 💙
Ladell Brown
Sunday, March 1, 2026
Prayers going up for the Family Coach Nutter was a fine man he was my Coach at uca
Vickie
Sunday, March 1, 2026
So sad to hear of his passing, condolences to Julie, Ginny and all the family.
Ellen Gordy Ellen Gordy
Sunday, March 1, 2026
I'm so, so sorry to hear of Bill's passing! Such a sweetheart of a gentleman is so hard to say goodbye to. My prayers and love are sadly sent to you all! He will be missed!
Karen Matthews
Sunday, March 1, 2026
So sorry got hear of Bill's passing. May all your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time. Prayers 🙏🙏🙏
Tim Starkey
Sunday, March 1, 2026
sorry for your loss he was a gooman, father an coach