William "Bill" Swartz

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Service Schedule
Memorial Service
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home Chapel
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
Saturday, October 22, 2016
11:00 A.M.
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William "Bill" Swartz

of Little Rock, AR

December 16, 1934 - October 14, 2016

William ''Bill'' Swartz, 81, of Little Rock, passed away on October 14, 2016. He was born December 16, 1934 in Washington DC to Charles Bowman and Sarah Jane Swartz.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Elizabeth Anne Marcrum and brother, John ''Tony'' Swartz. He is survived by brother, Richard Swartz and nieces Carol (Jim) Miller-Matthews, Diane (Mark) Cline, Beth (Bob Richard) Almstrom-Smith, Donna Foreman, Sharon (Terry) Riddell, Deborah (Sam) Gawrieh and Elizabeth (Rob) Ward; nephews, Walter Miller Jr. (deceased), Neil (Jessie) Swartz and Stephen William Swartz. He had many great nieces and nephews as well as Bill Allen who was his best friend for the last 25 years.

Uncle Bill, as most of us knew him, was a one of a kind. He found joy in bringing laughter to everyone he ever met, whether it was an appropriate time or not. He would always start a conversation with a story or joke and had a nickname for everyone. It did not matter if you were a governor or a homeless person, he wanted to make you laugh. He grew up in Little Rock and attended Little Rock (Central) High. He was extremely fascinated with technology. He built his own telephone switchboard operating system that reached throughout his 16 room house. Uncle Bill participated in community theaters by acting and also, in the sound department. He was a classical music pianist, but wouldn't mind a little theatre sound, as well. He was a member of Writers and Composers of Arkansas. Christ Episcopal Church was where he attended in his younger years.

As he got older, he had many years of extended education, simply for the fact that he loved knowledge. He was referred to as a walking encyclopedia. He loved to learn about his family history and made sure to share all the facts with us; going as far as to create written documents for the family. He moved to Washington D.C. as a young adult and worked for the federal government. The National Cathedral was his church home while he lived there.

Uncle Bill loved to share his opinion in the editorial page of the newspapers, whether they wanted to hear it or not. He made lifelong friends and maintained those friendships throughout his life. He was extremely proud that he taught all of his nieces and nephews their very first cuss words. He was misunderstood most of his life and found that making people laugh was his way of connecting and feeling accepted. Although he had some difficult times in his latter years, he never lost his wit or positive attitude.

We will miss your quick wit and wealth of information. He loved his family and close friends. He would end every conversation with ''Your crazy uncle loves you''. Well, we love you too, Uncle Bill. Rest in Peace.
Don't ever pass up a chance to tell your loved ones that they are loved because the day will come when you no longer have the chance. As a tribute to our uncle, feel free to share a story of your crazy uncle when you sign his guestbook.

Special thanks to First Christian Church and Reverend Charlie Wallace for conducting the service as well as the staff at Roller Chenal for helping us with my uncle's expressed and unexpressed wishes. Instead of flowers, please make any memorials to The Arkansas Food Bank or Pulaski county Humane Society.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, October 22, 2016 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211, (501) 224-8300.

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4 Condolence(s)
Michaella Wilson Koldys
Scottsdale, AZ
Liked
Monday, October 24, 2016

Bill, sweet Bill. Another life-long friend's leaf has fallen off my tree of family and friends. The happiest time of my life was the years I lived at Goosepimple Hill with you and Betty Ann, Jacques, Bowman, Mam, Richard, Walter, Gordon and the kids; the beautiful Carol, shy sweet Diane, Butch with that twinkle in his eye, Beth (cute little Bethie) and Baby Donna Sue. We celebrated every holiday, major and obscure. I still have the beautiful jewelry you gave me for my birthday, and I still after 60 years remember all my lines and all the sayings. Bill, go into the light with God. I will be there soon to join you. Save me a seat. I've always loved you and I remain as I've always been, your "Lumpy." God bless you and your family.

Mike (Michaella) Wilson Koldys.

Elizabeth (Swartz) Ward
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, October 21, 2016

My name is "Princess Euphemia Lizard" as my Uncle Bill would call me. My Uncle was never rich with money but always had time and jokes to offer. Some jokes went right over my head but I always had a good laugh with him! My Uncle knew no strangers and was fearless where others inhibitions froze them. I wish I could say we have seen eachother recently; but it has been longer than I would like. My Uncle ironically was the first person to help me deal with the loss of a loved one. My frog. Uncle bill was at the house visiting and asked why I was so glumm? My pet frog died and it was quite the big deal for me being 5 years old or so. So my Crazy Uncle Bill decided we should give him a proper funeral. It was the decent thing to do! Said Uncle Bill. Made perfect sense to me. So we did and invited all my immediate family including my frog shy mother. It was amazing! I love you Crazy Uncle Bill ! I will not forget the wonderful ways you showed you cared. You will be missed! Euphemia Lizard

Stephen Swartz
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Thank you uncle Bill for always staying true to yourself and never changing. I know how much you cared about the family and I am glad I was able to see you one last time a couple of weeks ago. I'm sure your up in heaven cracking up all the Angels.

Denise Dorton
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Rest in Peace, William, and take care of all the critters in Heaven. You were such a nice, gentle soul, so witty and smart. Your friends at Quapaw Quarter United Methodist have missed you ... you weren't forgotten, and never will be. I was blessed to have known you.