William Millsapps

William David Millsapps, age 86, of Benton, was born November 24, 1921 in Caddo Gap, Arkansas to B.D. and Jessie Millsapps. He grew up in Arkadelphia and graduated from high school in 1939 where he excelled as a student and athlete. He served in the National Guard and was mobilized in 1940. Bill married his childhood sweetheart and love of his life November 29, 1941 just days before Pearl Harbor was bombed. As the war intensified he served two years in the Western Command in the Aleutian Islands then proudly served his country in the Army Air Corp as a pilot flying B-17's and B-29's. After his discharge he returned to Ouachita Baptist College to complete his education and while there he was flight instructor for C.T.D. Students. He coached football in Gillette, Arkansas for three years before moving his family to Benton. As an accountant for Reynolds Mining he was responsible for auditing the South America Operations. He retired from Reynolds after thirty years. Bill was a strong man of character and integrity with a gentle spirit and heart that grew more tender with every passing year. He always had a smile on his face, a song in his heart and an arm outstretched awaiting a hearty handshake or a warm embrace. Bill was deeply loved by his wife, daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a multitude of other family and friends. He will be remembered most for his quick wit, playful nature and the love and affection he lavished on his friends and family. The greatest gift he leaves to us is the legacy of a life well-lived.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Lori Lee Farmer.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Anne Sue Lee Millsapps; his adoring daughter, Sheri Millsapps Farmer and her husband Dr. Charles Farmer; grandchildren who meant so much to him, Misti Coates, Joli Beasley and her husband Dr. Todd Beasley, Dr. Chad Farmer, Dr. Kali Cole and her husband Dr. Scott Cole; special added blessings in his life were his precious great-grandchildren, Chase and Ben Coates, Joshua, Luke and Annakate Beasley and Asher Cole.

Memorials can be made to the Lori Lee Farmer Memorial Fund, First United Methodist Church, 1115 South Boulder, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119.

Visitation will be 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday February 17, 2008 at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton, Arkansas. Services will be 3:30 p.m. Monday February 18, 2008 at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton, Arkansas.