Pauline Wall

Monday, June 20, 2016

Shirley,

I am so sorry to hear of Bill's death. Trust in the Lord and he will give you strength.

Love,
Pauline Wall

Jerry Woods

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Mr. Bill Kessinger was a very positive supporter
during my tenure as Superintendent Of Forrest City Schools. Cynthia and I extend our deepest sympathy to the Kessinger family. May God continue to give you comfort and peace.

Ken & Cathey Turner

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Shirley, Mike and Kathy,
So sorry to hear of Bill's death. When we lived in West Memphis many years ago, he was principal, assistant superintendent and very good friend. We remember everything Bill did for Ken while he was coaching there. Special memory was when Ken and Bill took their sons to see Donnie, play in St. Louis - also when the Bill, Shirley, and Ken and I went to St. Louis another time when Donnie was rookie for the Cubs. Our thoughts and prayers are for all the family.

Bob McCarley

Monday, January 18, 2016

For the Kessinger Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. We had heard of the issues of the recent time. Our family, especially my dad, held Bill in the highest regard

Phil and Sandy Ford

Monday, January 18, 2016

Bob & Faye Tubbs

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Bill was a good friend at ASTC. He was a good role model and am sure he carried that out with the best of his life.

Our prayers are with the family.

Frank Mayhew

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Mr. Kessinger ("Coach Kessinger" to me) was my 7th Grade Football coach at Conway. I remember him well and know that the likes of "Coach" are few and far between ... Rest in Peace Coach.

Pam Rutland

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Mr. Kessinger was my superintendent when I was a very young, single teacher living alone in West Memphis. My car was stolen one night, while parked in front of my apartment. He came to my classroom the next morning to see if I needed help in any way! I was so touched that a man in his position would care about me, as I was just an elementary teacher employed by his district. Rip Mr. Kessinger. Your kindness will never be forgotten!

Alisa

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so sorry for your loss. Mark and Alisa

Linda/Curt

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Thoughts and prayers for the Kessinger family. I remember "Bill" and also went to school with his brother Donnie in Forrest City. He will be missed by so many.

Maria King

Saturday, January 16, 2016

We are praying for you and your family.

Maria, Curtis, and Paul King

sonny smith

Saturday, January 16, 2016

He was my coach also. Was a find man.
Sorry to hear of his passing.

Chuck & Vickie Shryock

Saturday, January 16, 2016

I am sadden to hear about Bill passing away. I just got word from Melinda that Bill had passed away. I am very sorry we were unable to attend the funeral we had family obligations We also needed to attend today. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Chuck & Vickie Shryock

J.D.McGee

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Condolences to Shirley and family. I have many fond memories of Bill and I coaching with Ray Peters and C.W.Keopple when we were the first coaches at Hall High School the first year it opened.
Sincerely,
J.D.McGee

Twilla Ann Snyder

Saturday, January 16, 2016

I could never call him anything but "Coach" even as principal. He was a man that deserved nothing but absolute respect and admiration: a one of a kind and a very special person. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. He left such a wonderful legacy and impossible shoes to fill. See you soon, Coach!

Doug and Angie Feldmann

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Blessings, prayers, and peace for the wonderful Kessinger family...

Rick & Melinda Reynolds

Saturday, January 16, 2016

To the Kessinger family, we are so sorry to read about your loss. Sorry we couldn't attend, but you and your family will be in our prayers.

Digby Family

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Mr. and Mrs. Digby and I Mrs. Branch had the opportunity to work in the West Memphis School District when Mr. K was superintendent. Our prayers are with the family. Psalms 121:1-2 I will lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord ...

Dick And Patti Upton

Saturday, January 16, 2016

The entire family, including our sons, Peyton and Paige are so appreciative of the many contributions Bill made during our years in West Memphis. Our prayers are with the family on this difficult day.

Bruce Jackson

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Bill was a wonderful football coach and life long friend to me. I will miss him. Bruce #50

Henry Turner

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Bill was a friend of mine for many years and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Henry Turner

Ken and Sandra James

Saturday, January 16, 2016

To the Kessinger Family: Billl was one of the first Superintendents that I met when I returned home to serve as the Superintendent in Batesville in 1993. It was a pleasure and honor to serve with him as a fellow Superintendent and Commissioner of Education. Bill was always a strong advocate for all students in West Memphis and across the state. I am blessed to have known him and to have worked with him, May God be with you all during this difficult time. As noted in 2nd Timothy 4:7, Bill "fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith".

Julia jones

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Shirley and family, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. May God keep you in his care. Our love, Frank and Julia Jones

Cheryl House

Saturday, January 16, 2016

I worked for/with Mr. K for my entire teaching career of 44 years. He was a great man and a dedicated educator. He will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you deal with your loss.

Glenn Hall

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Mike, your dad has made such an impact on so many lifes. He will be missed by many. Your family loss can not be replaced, but with time and God's love you will find comfort in the little things that will remind you of your dad

Art Weeden

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Bill Kissinger was teaching and coaching in Wynne, AR at an important time in my life. Those formative years as a young junior high and high school athlete were so heavily influenced by Coach Kissinger. He always encouraged me and was always kind to me. I respected him greatly. He made a significant contribution to the person I am today. Hence, I feel a sense of loss and am saddened. I extend prayers and best wishes to all the family.

Larry W. Houchin

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Bill Kessinger was my 7th grade football coach in Conway, Ark. He made a huge impact on my life and I am very grateful for that as I am sure many others are also.

Lorri Knowlton

Saturday, January 16, 2016

"Mr. K" served as my superintendent for 13 years in the West Memphis School District. I will always remember his smile and his funny conversations. He will be missed dearly, but he will never be forgotten.

AnnaMarie Woodell

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Mr. Kessinger was an outstanding educator and I am so grateful that he started me in the education world. My prayers are with you all. He will be greatly missed by so many. God bless.

Michael Smith

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Bill Kessinger was a great role model and mentor to many struggling school administrators. He was a leader in his local community, Eastern Arkansas, Little Rock and indeed in the whole state. He was an education influence right up to his death. He will be terribly missed by those of us who still are in need of his intellect, advice and support. We can only pray he becomes our guardian angel.

Bob White

Friday, January 15, 2016

BK , Mr. K is all you needed to say. Everyone knew who it was. He was an icon in education. Prayers for Mike and the entire family.

OD & Nannette Baker

Friday, January 15, 2016

We wish to extend our condolences to the family at this time. May you be comforted by the promise of the resurrection and the knowledge that soon death will be no more and never again will we have to bury our loved ones. God makes this wonderful promise to is at Isaiah 25:8 where it states that he will "swallow up death forever." I hope you find solace in these words.

Brian Reece

Friday, January 15, 2016

What a great man who loved his family and was responsible for so many peoples success in life. We are all better for knowing Bill.

Charlie & Rosemary Donaldson

Friday, January 15, 2016

A HALL OF FAME EDUCATOR! A leader who was always in on the planning, never just the plans. Bill was a very bright, caring, competitive and sensitive individual; a personality that others could and did mold around.

We were only at WM 1.5 years, but he was a life time friend. My wife and I were thinking of moving from another city to the Memphis area when we received a phone call. It was Bill, who said," I hear you are thinking about coming back this way, just want to let you know your wife has a job. WOW!! When hearing of our possible departure from the area four years later, a similar call came in saying," all you have to do is move back across the river."

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kessinger family during this difficult time. GOD offers comfort in Deuteronomy 31:6

The Donaldson Family

Sue and Gerald Clayton

Friday, January 15, 2016

We want to express our sincere condolences to each family member of Bill Kessinger and pray that The Lord grant each individual comfort and peace at this time.

Dewitt Smith

Friday, January 15, 2016

My sincere sympathy to the Kessinger family. My father, an assistant superintendent in the Forrest City system, had a tremendous respect to Bill both as a great athlete in Forrest City and later as an administrator. I believe God holds educators in the highest regard and certainly Bill is an elite among them.
Dee Smith

Cleophus Lane

Friday, January 15, 2016

Great person, he hired me and told me "I will get you on the sideline next season" and he did. He will be greatly missed by the entire West Memphis. Thank you for doing a great job for such a long time!!!!

MarySue Hindman

Friday, January 15, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jim Fall

Friday, January 15, 2016

It has been a long time since we were "down the street neighbors" on Cherry Lane, but West Memphis stories pop up frequently and Bill is a part of more than a few.
He made a lasting impression of education in West Memphis, and in Arkansas, and I can only begin to imagine how many former faculty, staff, and students owe a great deal of their current success to Bill Kessigner.
He will be missed, but always present in your memories.
My most sincere sympathy.
Jim Fall

Justin craven

Friday, January 15, 2016

Praying for the family of an amazing man, God bless may he rest in peace

Tiffany Bone

Friday, January 15, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. Mr. Kessinger is the legend that every Arkansas Educator aspires to be. He inspired so many leaders in the state of Arkansas through his example. He will be greatly missed.

Bobby Acklin

Friday, January 15, 2016

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Kessinger. He was a friend, role model and mentor to me and so many others. He took a chance on me and gave me my first job as a teacher/coach at East Jr. High School. I know you, the family will greatly miss him as we will as well. I will certainly be remembering you in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you.

Cliff Garrison

Friday, January 15, 2016

Bill was one of my heroes as I grew up in Forrest City watching him excel in all sports. Years later I did my practice teaching under him at Wynne and he was a great mentor for my 41 year coaching career. He was one of the most respected superintendents and educators in the state. He influenced the lives of thousands of students, teachers, and coaches over his great career. He will be missed.

Ned Wilford

Friday, January 15, 2016

Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of Bill. He clearly was a man with a deep calling to serve others . May your family be blessed with great memories and comforted. By the peace that only comes from God .

Kay Spurlock

Friday, January 15, 2016

Prayers for the family. He will be missed.

Cindy Moudy Crowl

Friday, January 15, 2016

My heart goes out to the Kessinger Family. I know how the lose of a father feels. Mr. Kessinger served the children of West Memphis well. He was a wonderful superintendent, mentor and roll model.

James and Donna Brogdon

Friday, January 15, 2016

Very well thought of by our family. Loss of a good friend. He will be greatly missed. Hard shoes to fill. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Chris Shoemake

Friday, January 15, 2016

Mrs. Kessinger and extended family of Mr. Kessinger, Don and I are saddened by your loss as well as the West Memphis community. He and Don were in Sunday School together and they swapped stories I'm sure of the good ole days when it came to sports as they visited at church.

I worked for the rival school district as the receptionist. I go back to the days when all the Superintendents in Crittenden County would meet at Bill's Grill for lunch about once or month or so. Mr. Kessinger rarely came to our office, but he called to speak to Mr. Carter and Mr. Shepherd on occasion. I prided myself that I recognized almost every voice that called, but Mr. Kessinger's voice was one that I never mastered. He did not disguise his voice, he just spoke in a tone that was quiet and hard for me to distinguish. We always laughed that I was surprised who was on the other end of the line when he announced his name who was calling, especially after I worked there for so many years. I particularly recognize he carried a great devotion for the state of Arkansas' education. He worked much longer past required retirement age probably because his work was his life. He, at one time supported and worked to help the retirees of Arkansas teachers for a successful retirement system. To that, many of us in the educational system owe he, Mr. Carter and others our untold thanks for their diligence in this area. As you, the family, I offer our concern and prayers for strength for the next oncoming days as you adjust to your loss. As so many before me have offered their condolences, he will be missed, foremost by his family, but others as well. A treasure in any family is one that the legacy of the loved one gone is to be admired and respected. His most shining attribute was he served as a Christian.

Sincerely, Chris Shoemake

Mitch Taylor

Friday, January 15, 2016

The team, my assistant manager,Meg and I would like to extend our condolences. Mr. Bill will be missed.

David and Carol Williams

Friday, January 15, 2016

Bill will be missed by so many. A great legacy.

Carolyn Greenoe Jones

Friday, January 15, 2016

Thoughts and prayers with the Kessinger family. I grew up in First Baptist, West Memphis, and Mr. Kissinger was a fine Christian leader and example for all youth there. Later as an educator myself I came to appreciate the many years he gave to leading the WM school district. Love to you, Mrs. Kessinger and to your children.

Betty Gale Davis

Friday, January 15, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with all the family and friends during this time of grief.

Nancy Early

Friday, January 15, 2016

I was saddened to read that Mr. Kessinger had past away. I know he will be greatly missed by his personal family and his education family. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. He will be missed.

Ken hatfield

Friday, January 15, 2016

My prayers for all the family - he will be sorely missed - but what a blessing to so many who he brightened their day - mine big time - a caring smart and loving leader. Will be an outstanding angel.

Carolyn Chrestman

Friday, January 15, 2016

My heart is saddened to hear of Mr. K leaving us here on earth. I have no doubt he will be cheering on the Blue Devils from heaven. Lifting up your family in my prayers.

Janie Darr

Friday, January 15, 2016

My thoughts are prayers are with all of the family. Bill was an outstanding superintendent and leaves a wonderful legacy in Arkansas education. He will be missed by all of us.

Cecil Boothe

Friday, January 15, 2016

I had known Bill for years but got to know him better when I worked for AAEA. He was a joy to be around and always came into the office at AAEA with a smile. He was permanent fixture at the AAEA conference in August and a strong supporter of administrators and teachers. I will miss Bill and considered him a good friend.

TIMOTHY DEVER

Friday, January 15, 2016

Prayers to the family. He has and will be remembered.

Sylvia Moore

Friday, January 15, 2016

You will be greatly missed.

Taron Harris

Friday, January 15, 2016

I am so thankful to have been a part of the West Memphis School District my entire life; first as a student, then starting in 2008 as an employee. Mr. Kessinger was a decent and well respected man. There will never be another superintendent like him.

Mary Kelly

Friday, January 15, 2016

Mr. Kessinger left a positive mark on education for West Memphis. His smile and spirit will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you

Frances O' Dea

Friday, January 15, 2016

Mr. K was my boss for 38 years. He will be missed greatly by the community he served.

George Pokorski

Friday, January 15, 2016

Kenleta and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Mr. Kessinger. To faithfully dedicate your life to the field of education for 52 years is incredible. Mr Kessinger gave me the opportunity to work in the WM school system not once but twice. He also gave Kenleta the opportunity to begin her teaching career in the WM Schools. Sympathy extended to Shirley and other family members. RIP Mr Kessinger. You will indeed be missed.

Jessica Banks

Friday, January 15, 2016

He will be missed! Prayers for the family.

Larry Davis

Friday, January 15, 2016

He will be missed.

Mike McCoy

Friday, January 15, 2016

Sympathy

Mike McCoy

Dennis Sims

Friday, January 15, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Carly Hicks

Friday, January 15, 2016

Mike Skelton

Friday, January 15, 2016

I want to send prayers to all of Mr. Kessinger's family. He has had such a positive influence on my life and career. I will always remember him for what he meant to me as a coach, educator, and friend. I would not be the person I am or where I am today if it wasn't for him.

Betty Roberts

Friday, January 15, 2016

Prayers go up for you.

Bryan G Collins

Friday, January 15, 2016

Praying for comfort for your family, God does give a peace that passeth all undetrstanding

Jeannine Pospisil Brawner

Friday, January 15, 2016

So sorry for your loss. He will be truly missed by one and all. So thankful for the legacy he leaves behind in his children and grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

May Carol Lieblong

Friday, January 15, 2016

Bill Kessinger was a wonderful man. I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all of the family during this difficult time.

Martha Simpson

Friday, January 15, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Bill was a wonderful man. My prayers go out to the family. Martha (Thurmond ) Simpson

Teresa West

Friday, January 15, 2016

Great Educator, Great Administrator and one of the finest men you could ever meet. mr Bill will be greatly missed. I am so sorry for your loss. he will always be with us. he left so much knowledge to each of us.

Ray Sessions

Friday, January 15, 2016

My family and I offer our condolences to the Kessinger family. I'll forever be grateful to MR. K for giving me my first job. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sarah Jones

Friday, January 15, 2016

Mr. Kessinger was an amazing superintendent. I was honored to attend west memphis school district from k-12th and to have him as my superintendent all those years. He will be truly missed and my thoughts and prayer go to the entire family. God bless.

Dan Harrelson

Friday, January 15, 2016

One of the greats when I first started keeping up in the sports field. I know he will be missed greatly by his family and friends. Dan Harrelson

SHERRAN HALE

Friday, January 15, 2016

SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR YOUR FAMILY

LES AND RITA CALLAN

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Shirley and family we are so sorry for your loss.Bill was a wonderful Christian man that we had great respect for.The whole city has lost a great icon. Sincerely Les and Rita Callan

Sandy Meyers

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Jim and I are sending up our prayers for the Kessinger family. So sorry for your loss. Bill will be missed by the entire community of West Memphis. We feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work for him as teachers (and coach) in the West Memphis School District.

Sandra Powelll

Thursday, January 14, 2016

So sorry for your loss! You & your family are in my prayers!
Sandra Powell

Beverly Ault

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Prayers and Sympsthy for you and your family

Harvey carter

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Cheri Wingo

Thursday, January 14, 2016

The Wingo family loves you!!

lamanda sharp

Thursday, January 14, 2016

You will always be in my heart. You was the best superintendent ever. I will miss you dearly

Ollie Warren

Thursday, January 14, 2016

My sympathy to Donnie and the family. Billy was an old and dear friend of mine and I'm sure he will be missed.

Cheryl Campbell

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Kathy, I'm praying for you and your family during this difficult time. May God hold you all in his arms and give you comfort.

Wayne & Toni Dorsey

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Kathy & Tommy & the whole family, we are so sorry to hear about your daddy passing away. I didn't know him but from the other comments & just from seeing how awesome your family is, all I can say is, what a legacy! Love & prayers for your whole family! We are around the circle, so please let us know if we can help you out❤️❤️❤️

Rebecca and Michael Haydon

Thursday, January 14, 2016

We send out deepest thoughts and condolences. I am so sorry for your loss and we are praying for you all. We are here for anything you need.

Kellye Brown Carter

Thursday, January 14, 2016

May God bring you all peace and comfort during this difficult time

Billy Lieblong

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Great man with a GREAT family PRAYERS

Mark Caldwell

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Richard Cummins

Thursday, January 14, 2016

To Shirley & Family:
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Bill. We are praying for God's grace to comfort you in this time of sorrow.

Richard & June

Suzie Skillman

Thursday, January 14, 2016

I knew Mr. Kessinger since I was in the 7th grade and he was the boy's PE Teacher and coach. He coached my brother in football, was a friend of our family and as a first grade teacher he was my boss for 10 years. He was a wonderful teacher, coach, and superintendent. He was loved by all his students, we fondly called him BK and I think he knew it! Such fond and wonderful memories of this fine man who did so much for education in West Memphis. My prayers go out to his family for peace and comfort.

Steve P Schoettle,M.D.

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Wonderful, wonderful man. His inspiration will live on forever. It has been a privilege and honor to know him as a mentor, a coach, a teacher, and a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Johnny Daniel

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Terribly sorry to hear this sad event. Coach was PE coach in my 8th and 9th grade. A wonderful role model.
A GREAT loss to West Memphis