William H. "Bill" Hampton

William H. “Bill” Hampton, Jr., age 95, departed from Cornerstone Nursing Home, Texarkana, Texas, on Monday, March 29, 2021, on his final earthly flight.

He was born on April 26, 1925, in Hot Springs, the son of William H. Hampton, Sr. and Birdie Sanders Hampton. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Rose Noles Hampton; his parents; four brothers, Doyle, Rubin, George, and Henry; one sister, Syble McCollum; and three grandsons, Michael Roy Hampton and the Hampton twins.

Bill was a United States Navy, World War II veteran, having served as a Naval Aviator. He was baptized and a life-long member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served as a High Priest in the church. From 1953 to 1963, Bill pastored the mission church in Grannis, founded the mission in Monticello, was active with other area missions and the RLDS Ark-La Conference. Bill also served in several local civic organizations in Southeast Arkansas.

He was employed with Dierks Lumber Company in De Queen and later managed the Barton Lumber Company in Monticello, until he retired. Following Bill’s retirement, he worked for Ark-La Gas Company in appliance sales, earning recognition as top salesman for several years. Bill also assisted his wife, Rose, with the Monticello Florist and Wedding business for many years. Bill’s final job was with Eldercare Insurance, where he worked until he was in his 90’s and retired for his final time.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Billie June (Shelly) Handly of Monticello; two sons, Mike (Becky) Hampton of Brandon, Mississippi and Richard (LeeAnn) Hampton of Texarkana; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.

Graveside services will be held Friday, April 2, 2021, at 12:00 PM in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Hot Springs with military honors provided by the United States Navy Honors Team.

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs.