William Conlin Nolan Jr.

William Conlin Nolan, Jr.William Conlin Nolan, Jr. died at the Medical Center of South Arkansas, El Dorado, Arkansas on Monday, March 12 as a result of a short and sudden illness. Bill was a life-long resident of El Dorado and a graduate of El Dorado High School, Yale undergraduate school and Yale Law School. He was widely recognized throughout his adult life as a leader in community and state affairs and in business. Bill was elected to the Board of Directors of Murphy Oil Corporation in 1977, Chairman of the Board in 2002 and served until his death. He also served on the boards of First Commercial Corp, Arkansas Power and Light, First Financial Bank and Noalmark Broadcasting Corporation, among others. He was a partner and general counsel of Munoco Company. He was also a partner in the law firm of Nolan and Alderson, which he and Edwin Alderson formed in 1969. Their legal and business endeavors were successful due to the fact that they thoroughly enjoyed working together and blending their talents to meet their opportunities and challenges. Bill was a co-founder and President and CEO of Noalmark Broadcasting Corporation since 1973 and built it from a two station local operation to becoming the owner and licensee of stations in Arkansas, Texas and New Mexico. He had a deep affection for and dedication to the numerous employees of Noalmark. Many of his greatest civic achievements were in the health care area. He served for many years on the Board of Directors of the American Hospital Association, Warner Brown Hospital, Medical Center of South Arkansas and the SHARE Foundation, South Arkansas Regional Health Center. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Arkansas Hospital Association in 1986. He also served on the boards of South Arkansas Arts Center, Boys and Girls Club and the Chamber of Commerce. Bill was elected to the Arkansas Constitutional Convention in 1969 and served as a legislative assistant to David Pryor when he was governor of Arkansas. One of his favorite hobbies was running and he completed over 70 Marathons, many under three hours. He loved fly fishing and camping with his friends and family. At one point, Bill served on an officiating crew with his friends for high school football games in Arkansas. Recently, he loved gardening with his wife Deborah. He was predeceased by his father, William Conlin Nolan. He is survived by his wife, Deborah S. Nolan, his mother, Theodosia Murphy Nolan, brothers Charles Murphy Nolan and his wife Eleanor C. Nolan, Robert Calvert Nolan and his wife Candi E. Nolan a sister, Theodosia Nolan Roddy and her husband, Jimmy Roddy. He is also survived by his daughter, Diane Nolan Landen and her husband, James E. Landen together with their sons, James E. Landen Jr., Wilson Matthews Landen and Charles Fullar Landen. He is survived by a son William Conlin Nolan III and his wife Carla C. Nolan, their sons, William Conlin Nolan IV, Alex C. Nolan and their daughter, Catherine Claire Nolan. He is survived by a son, Jeffrey Westbrook Nolan and his wife, Cara B. Nolan and their three sons, Jack Murphy Nolan, Henry Fuller Nolan and Hayes Thomas Nolan. He is also survived by his wife, Deborah's children Rebekah Kaufman and her husband Nathan Voorhies; their children, Eli K. Voorhies and Henry K. Voorhies and her son Robert Henry Niehuss. Bill was an extraordinary person combining the right balance intelligence and good judgment. He was a trusted advisor and counselor to many, and a friend to all. His leadership and the lasting impact he made in his business and civic life are legendary. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and son. He was greatly loved and will be missed. Funeral arrangements are being made by Young's Mortuary. He will be buried in a private ceremony and there will be a funeral service at First Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m., Thursday morning. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Share Foundation, 403 West Oak, El Dorado, Ark. 71730. An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.