William "Bill" Traywick

William R. "Bill" Traywick, 83, of Benton, passed away peacefully on Feb. 25, 2012 at Saline Memorial Hospice in Bryant, Ark. He was born on Sept. 4, 1928 in Charlotte, N.C., the son of the late George Ray and Mayme Stegall Traywick. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Bobbie Taylor Traywick; sisters, Mary Lou (Tracy) Bronson of Naples, Fla. and Millie (Dick) Johnson of Nashville, Tenn.; nephews, Brent Johnson and Tom Owens and nieces, Lisa Johnson Robbins, Jana Owens, Joan Cunningham and Jennifer Douglas. Bill's youth was spent in North Carolina where he went to the public schools and later attended Brevard Junior College. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at the beginning of the Korean War where he rose to the rank of Major. After 20 years of service that included tours in both Korea and Vietnam, he enrolled at UALR and graduated in 1976. This enabled him to enjoy a second career as a science teacher at Bryant High School for ten years. In 1978, he and Bobbie moved to Benton and it was here that he joined the United Methodist Church. An avid reader and traveler with varied interests, Bill was known and admired for his extensive knowledge of geography, geology, photography and music. His favorite places in the world were the Swiss Alps and his cabin on the Ouachita River. As his health failed, he turned to crossword puzzles and certain television programs for entertainment. His integrity and gentle nature were known to all around him. Special and sincere thanks are extended to Dr. James Kane, Mr. Danny Muilenburg and to the Saline Memorial Hospice of Bryant for the loving care provided during these last weeks of great need. A memorial service will be held on Feb. 29 at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Benton. Interment will be at a later date at Oakland Cemetery in Warren, Ark. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 200 North Market Street, Benton, Ark. 72015. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.