Willie G Presson

Willie Gene "Bill" Presson left this life to join his beloved wife Juanita Harper "Poodle" Presson on April 9, 2016. He was born in Gurdon, Ark. on January 9, 1928 to parents Larkin and Evie Presson. Bill and Poodle were married on January 31, 1948 and married for 66 years. Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Bill was a graduate of Gurdon High School and attended Henderson State University. He played football for the Henderson Reddies in 1945. Bill then served as a member of the United States Navy. Bill was actively involved in his children's lives. He coached baseball in Sherwood for many years. Bill was an avid golfer, sharing this love of golf with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. A favorite memory was Daddy Bill taking all of his grandchildren on a golf cart ride during every visit. Bill loved playing the guitar and singing to his family. He was a long time member of First Baptist Church of Sherwood where he served in the Youth Department and sang in the choir. Bill began working at Blue Cross, Blue Shield in 1954. He served as Vice President of Marketing from July 1970 until April 1979, during which time Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield won three national marketing awards. He then retired as Vice President of Staff Services in 1989. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved Poodle, and one son Billy Michael Presson. He is also survived by two daughters, Jan Presson Johnston of Heber Springs and Sharon Presson Clark of Arkadelphia. He leaves behind eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers are Chris Presson, Matt Presson, Marshall Presson, Josh Johnston, and Kevin Clark. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday , April 13th at Rest Hills Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Arkansas Hospice or First Baptist Church of Sherwood. Please share your memories of Bill with his family online at www.griffinleggettresthills.com.