William Eustace "Bill" Beaumont Jr.

William Eustace "Bill" Beaumont Jr., former State Representative and County Judge, age 81, died April 25, 2014 in Little Rock, Arkansas, the same town in which he was born. 'Sonny', as he was fondly called by his family, was born April 3, 1933 to the late William E. Beaumont, Sr. and Mary E. Hocott Beaumont. Mr. Beaumont earned a BSBA degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and furthered his education at the U of A at Little Rock, Arkansas. Mr. Beaumont served five terms in the Arkansas State House of Representatives; was elected as the County Judge of Pulaski County to two terms; and was asked to finish the term of a resigning judge in Marion County. He also served our nation after being nominated by President John F. Kennedy, and then President Lyndon B. Johnson to the Health Benefits Advisory Committee that developed Medicare, which subsequently influenced the development of the Medicaid program. Mr. Beaumont's ventures included owning and operating nursing homes in three states and serving as president of the American Nursing Home Association for two terms. He was the secretary-treasurer of Specialized Computer Service; the former president of Association Service, Inc., and the president and secretary of Beaumont Builders, Inc. At age six, Bill accepted Jesus as his Savior and was baptized in Rock Creek in Little Rock. Bill enjoyed years as a member of Church on the Rock in Yellville, Arkansas and going on mission trips to Russia and Haiti. One of Bill's favorite ministries was Project Cross which was established by his cousins Sam and Patsy Herrin. Bill was a member of Church of Christ in Beebe along with his wife. Mr. Beaumont is survived by his wife, Shirley Smith Beaumont, a former Pulaski County Clerk; his four children and their spouses: William E. Beaumont III and Glenda; Mary E. Morton and Harry; Karoline A. Rook and David; and 'Suzie' Rook and Phil; two step-sons and their spouses: Stanley Smith and Michele; and Shayne Smith and Tracy. Mr. Beaumont's children gave him 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. The Smiths added six grandkids to his bragging tree. Bill is also survived by two cousins: 'Buster' Patterson and Patsy Hocott Herrin; and three nephews: James, Bobby, and David Boatright. Bill Beaumont leaves behind hunting and fishing buddies, the 'Judges' lunch group, and a host of friends. Mr. William Eustace Beaumont was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Ellen Boatright; his first wife, the mother of his children, Elli Karoline Beaumont McKellips, and by one grandson. A memorial service will be held in Beebe, Arkansas at the Church of Christ, 1906 West Center, at 2 p.m. Friday, May 2, 2014, with Glen Knabe officiating. A memorial service will also be held in Yellville, Arkansas at Church on the Rock  on the square at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2014 with Bro. Kevin Duffy officiating. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the American Diabetic Society. For online condolences go to www.haburns.com.