Everett Buel "Bill" Churchill

As gently as he lived, Bill Churchill passed from this life on the morning of August 12, 2015, at the Waldron Nursing Center in Waldron, Arkansas where he had been a resident for almost three years, since the passing of his beloved wife, Juanita Churchill. Born February 24, 1923, near Hector, Arkansas, Bill was the youngest and last surviving of nine children belonging to Monroe King and Edie Kansas (Story) Churchill. Bill was 92 years old. He was a member of the Waldron United Methodist Church for over 50 years and was a veteran, having served in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict. While Bill and Juanita may best be remembered as the founders of Turkey Track Bluegrass Festival that they owned and operated in Waldron for approximately 15 years, they were very involved in numerous community, civic, and charitable organizations throughout the years. They were among the first coaches when the Girls Ponytail Softball League was originally formed in the mid ‘60’s. Later, Bill coached in the Pee Wee Basketball League. Bill was especially proud of founding the annual Waldron High School Sports Banquet which continues successfully to this day. Being an active member in the Razorback Club inspired him to provide an awards banquet for local High School athletes in the early 1970’s where Razorback coaches and players were involved. Bill worked with his former High School friend, fellow basketball player, and Razorback Coach Wilson Matthews to recruit speakers for the banquet. Bill continued the banquet until the 1980’s when the local football coach assumed the responsibilities. Bill had the opportunity during the past 92 years to experience many job opportunities and retired as a USDA inspector after 25 years of service. He and Juanita then devoted their efforts full-time to the further development of Turkey Track Bluegrass Festival, growing it into one of the largest outdoor events in the south. Bill loved to travel and had an adventurous spirit. He met many people in his lifetime and was dearly loved for his kindness and generous personality. He was a visionary who inspired those around him and will be missed by the many people whose life’s were blessed by knowing him. “Wild Bill”, as he was affectionately known by many, leaves behind to cherish his memory, two daughters: Sherry Johnston and husband, Butch, and Terri Churchill, all of Waldron, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Andrea Dehart and husband, Eric of Hontubby, Oklahoma, Mikey Johnston and wife, Christi of Waldron, Brandy Davis of Greenwood, Jill Rogers and husband Dusty of South Muskogee, Oklahoma, and Tina White of Barling, Arkansas; and great-grandchildren, Karissa Johnston, Claydin Boren, William Dehart, Tyler Trozzi, Jake Rogers, Jillian Rogers, Mikaleigh Davis, Gracie Davis, and Brayedan Davis. Bill is also survived by Juanita’s sister, Amy Brooks of Little Rock, Arkansas and Juanita’s sister-in-law, Virginia Pearce of Conway, Arkansas. Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Juanita, parents, Monroe and Edie Churchill; brothers Lattie Churchill and wife Audrey, Clyde Churchill and wife Mae, Odis Churchill and wife Lucille, Olen Churchill and wife Mary Jo, and brother Clemo; three sisters, Bessie Caudle and husband Jiles, Margie Crouch and husband Holly, and Mildred Blake and husband Ben. Services for Bill will be held at 2:00 Saturday, August 15, 2015 at the Waldron United Methodist Church with interment immediately following at Duncan Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas. Pallbearers for Bill’s service will be Claydin Boren, William Dehart Karissa Johnston,Mikey Johnston, Eric Dehart, Miles Dozier, Stan Berry, Ronnie Chastain and James Salkeld. Honorary Pallbearers will be Smokey Dixon, Dr. Leonard Fuson, Curtis Howze, Bill Lancaster, Roger Sparks, and Russell Sparks. Visitation for Bill will be Friday, August 14, 2015, from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas where his family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Contributions can be made to Duncan Cemetery in lieu of flowers at any local bank or by mail to P. O. Box 1184 Waldron, Arkansas 72958.

Everett Buel "Bill" Churchill

February 24, 1923 - August 12, 2015