of West Memphis, AR
December 28, 1927 - March 5, 2022
Billy Joe Felty, 94, of Paragould, AR went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 5, 2022. He was formerly of West Memphis, AR and Henderson, AR. Bill is leaving behind a host of family and friends, along with many acquaintances as he led a life of public service.
Bill was born on December 28, 1927, in O'Kean, AR to Joseph and Bessie (Allison) Felty. One of nine children, he grew up in a close-knit family in the small farming community of Stanford. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn Joan (Harris) Felty, his parents, his brothers Harold, Bonnie, Vernon, John and Max, sister Wanda Rogers. Bill is survived by his two daughters, Dianne (William) Person, Gail (Jack) Poff. Six grandchildren; Barrett Person (Laura), Kristen Person Bernard, Jack Poff Jr (Molly), Justin Poff (Clair), Elizabeth Poff Gross (Johnathan) and Christopher Poff (Laura Ladd). Also, his great grandchildren, Caroline Bernard, Will Bernard, Jackson Poff, Mary Ellis Person, Hadley Gross, Stella Gross, Rhett Poff, Etta Poff, Clarke Poff and McLaine Poff. He also leaves a brother JM (JoAnn) Felty of Brevard, NC and a sister Mary May (Jackie) of Paragould.
Bill graduated from Stanford High School, then joined the service as an Army Signal Corp stationed at the White House where he would greet President Truman daily and the President knew him by name. After the service, Bill returned to his hometown Paragould, and met the love of his life, Joan. They started their family as he attended Arkansas State on his GI Bill and earned his Engineering degree. Bill and Joan moved their girls to West Memphis in 1959 as he began his career as an engineer with the St. Francis Levee and Drainage District of Arkansas. Shortly thereafter he became a member of the engineering committee of the Mississippi Valley Flood Control Association, serving two terms each as the committee's secretary and vice chairman, and was named Chairman in 1982 and 1984. In 1989, Felty was promoted to Chief Engineer of the District and oversaw 160 miles of main line Mississippi River Levee and 70 miles of interior levee in the district. He worked in Flood control for 43 years and managed 7 counties in Eastern Arkansas in the Mississippi Flood Basin. His work in this capacity earned him the Army Commander's Award for Public Service, the Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal, the Army Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal, and a Plaque for Dedicated and Devoted service. He served as Chief Engineer until his retirement which was celebrated on July 25, 2000 by his dear friend former US Representative Marion Berry reading a statement into the Congressional record. Bill loved his time at the Levee District and could recall flood levels from any date that you asked him.
Bill was a past President and member of the West Memphis Jaycee's where he was instrumental in getting the Polio vaccine to Crittenden County, a founding member of the J.W. Rich Girls Club devoting many hours to making their softball fields, the Chairman of the Board of Adjustments, the Arkansas Society of Professional Surveyors, a member of the West Memphis Chamber of Commerce and was an active member of the First Baptist Church in West Memphis.
When not at the office Bill enjoyed spending time at the lake, teaching his siblings, nieces, nephews, daughters and their friends, and even his grandchildren and all of their friends how to water ski. It was said he wouldn't let you back in the boat until you were up and skiing. Bill last water skied when he was 71.
After the loss of his wife, Bill moved to enjoy the lake life at Henderson, AR. He was the self-appointed ''Mayor of Henderson '', where he enjoyed meeting friends daily for coffee at the community firehouse. During this time, he was able to reconnect with and experience love again with his special friend, Vera Fielder. They enjoyed each other's company while traveling, especially along the entirety of the Mississippi River. Bill lived independently until he lost his eyesight in 2015. At that point, he moved back to what he described as ''God's Country'' in Greene County. He has lived his last years at the Chateau on The Ridge where he made many new friends. Special thanks to Melissa, Amanda, Debbie, Craig, and Tiffany and all the staff of The Chateau for loving and taking care of him.
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30 Condolence(s)
Herb and Mika Hyman
Saturday, March 12, 2022
Your dad was one of the GREAT generation. He was definitely a mover and shaker. Aren’t we glad to have had strong Dads Hugging you in this time.
Dick Howard
Friday, March 11, 2022
sorry to hear of Mr Bills passing, lifting the family up in prayer.
Caitlyn Owens
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
It was such an honor knowing Mr. Bill. I will always remember my first day of working at Chateau on the Ridge, sitting outside on a warm sunny day and getting to know Bill. Bill was a very Intelligent man! I will miss his stories and the smile on his face. My thoughts and prayers are with the Felty family!
Amanda Lucy
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
I had the pleasure of knowing Bill in his last years. I enjoyed hearing stories, and just day to day talking with him. He was the best! To all his family, he spoke of yall so pridefully! Rest In Peace Bill♥ï¸
Cecilia Lovelady
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
I will always remember the family dinners and outings spent with this wonderful man. He enjoyed life to it’s fullest and his enthusiasm rubbed off on those around him. He was one of a kind that we rarely see theses days. I am blessed to have known him.
Cathline Felty
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Bill was a great man who I had good times with he will be missed by me and everyone who new him he was full of joy and kindness.
Renita Rash
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
So very sorry to see this post of Mr. Felty’s passing. I met Mr. Felty while he was serving on a board for the City of West Memphis. You could always count on his attendance at these monthly meeting. He was a wonderful person and a friend.
Prayers for his family and friends during this time of loss.
Jean Worsham johnson
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Loved Uncle Bill. Had great times at the lake. He was glad when mom and dad came. Home cooking and lots of memories. Missed. When he was getting out he came to see me at work.
Russell Schuh
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
I haven't seen Mr. Felty in many years, but I know in my heart that he was a FINE FELLER!!! He didn't teach me how to Ski but hone my skills. He Loved God and his Family without question. I will Always Remember that Grin that he had when you finally got IT!!
Sandra
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
I will always love you Bill and the things you told me . R.I.P. my sweet friend
Penny Harper
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Loved visiting with him, who I knew him as Uncle Bill, lots of wonderful memories at Norfork Lake, my thoughts and prayers to all the family.
James leathers
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
I had the pleasure of meeting Bill about 2 months ago and talk to him a little, as I am a resident at Chateau. I knew about him as his paternal grandfather and mine were brothers, I regret I never got to know him better as he had an outstanding personality and was interesting to talk to. I’ve been in and out of the hospital and haven’t been going down to the dining room. May God bless his family.
O.D. Baker
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Mr. Felty was a wonderful person to know. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him but was always very pleasant to talk to. I remember some water skiing trips to Greers Ferry lake with church group, good times. Dianne , Gail , and your family, sorry for your loss but happy for his gain. Praying that God gives you comfort, strength, and peace .
Rex Rogers
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
A very kind, gracious, and interesting gentleman. Full of wisdom and truths. He welcomed our family, cats, dogs, and babies to stay at his Henderson home during the terrible Ice storm when only a handful of people around the county had power. He was in W. Memphis at the time. Told me where he hid the key. Haha! . Billy Joe would call most everyday making sure we were comfortable and ok What a guy! The Good Lord has a place for his kind of folks!
Carolyn and Charlie Brandon
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Bill. He was one of the table partners with my parents (Bud and Valicia Cloyes) at the Chateau. We visited with him each time we were there with my parents unless he was on his "vacation" to the lake house. He was a kind and considerate man. May God give his family Peace, Comfort, and Solace during this time. Prayers for all!
Eric felty
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Uncle Bill was a warm, loving kind person. He will be missed by all of the lives he touched along the way. Prayers to you!
Mike Reneau
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
My thoughts and prayers are with the Felty family.
Sharon cline
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
We are so sorry to hear this. Enjoyed going to Church with him. Prayers
Shanna Motes
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the family of Bill Felty. I met Mr.Bill in the Chateau on the Ridge as Activities Director. We spent quite a bit of time together after he lost eyesight where I helped him sign funeral memory guest books. I didn't realize I would be writing Mr. Bill's this soon. I miss him and his stories of the Mississippi River. We swapped fish tales a few times too. He was a great man with dignity and highly intelligent. Heaven gained a special man the 5 the of March, and he will be always remembered by me and many many others. Praying for peace and comfort for you the family. Sincerely, Shanna
Teresa williams
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Sorry for your loss.
Darlene Clark
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Diane and Gail, sorry to hear of the loss of your father, my prayers are with y’all and your extended families. May he Rest In Peace ðŸ™ðŸ¼ðŸ˜‡
Max and LaJuan Herron
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Our heart hurts for you and your family, I know how much you loved him how close you were to him and He was a find man that loved his family.Our prayers and thoughts will be with you all
Mike & Debbie Greer
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Sending love & prayers- your Dad touched many lives and will be missed.
Gary Harlow
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Mr Bill was a great man. Sorry to hear of his passing but he spent many years doing what he liked to do. To those left behind I can only wish and pray for the peace that is so hard to find. God be with you and I will have you in prayer. Special Prayer for Dianne and Gail.
Lea Tomblin
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Mr .Bill We Will Always Think Of You And Miss You And You Were Definitely One Of A Kind And We Will Always Be In Our Precious Memories And No One Could Ever Fill Your Shoes Or Your Seat And You Have Definitely Left A Mark On Our Hearts Rest In Life Love The Chateau Crew
Tiffany Scrogin
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
To the Felty family,
Ugh my heart goes out to you. When I heard the news Saturday, it was the worst way to wake-up. I cried just about all day. Mr. Bill had my heart!!
Just to think I use to write these messages on the guest books of obituary’s of people Bill once knew. I would always take the time to do this with him, even when I was busy an some times didn’t really have the time, BUT I made time for Mr. Bill. Mr. Bill was one of my favorites at the Chateau. My time there was filled with so much love. I was able to create a relationship with Mr. Bill that I am so very thankful for. We stayed connected after I decided to leave. He’d call me, I’d call him, we both made a point to stay connected! He had even got me a wedding present, and the most perfect advice. BUT That’s one thing about him, he always gave the best advice whether you wanted to hear it or not! I am so appreciative to have known such a great man. I’m honored to know that I was one of the people who got him to any appointments that he needed to attend, whether that was in his vehicle or the Chateaus. I will forever cherish all of those times! We had the best time! We made those appointments fun! From Bill walking down to my the office, to him snoozing in the foyer, to him calling me to check in on me, to me walking down to his room, to driving his vehicle an he explaining what to do, to me calling him to check in on him! Like I said I am so thankful for those times. Mr. Bill will forever hold a memory an a place in my heart.
Many many prayers to the Felty family! He’s walking perfectly and seeing everything in Gods vision! Y’all had the most perfect man in your family, how’s he’s just looking down on you.
-Tiffany
Tracy Catt
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
I had the privilege to meet and speak with Mr. Felty many times over the years, he was a wonderful person.
Teresa McCain
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I’m praying for God’s peace and comfort for all the family.
David McCullough
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
I only met Mr. Felty one time (even though I was his Evening Times paper carrier). I had a "mo-ped" accident and landed in his beautifully manicured yard. He was in the yard working and asked me if I was okay. I had dislocated my shoulder. He transported me to Crittenden Memorial Hospital where he stayed with me till my parents arrived. I've never forgotten his act of kindness. He will be missed by his family and friends cause he ooozed goodness from his pores. RIP Mr. Felty.
Jeannette Conlee
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Rest in Peace Bill. You'll be missed.