of Clinton, AR
October 7, 1942 - December 24, 2022
Billy Joe (Bill) Kirkendoll, 80 years old, of Clinton, Arkansas went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 24th, 2022 in Conway, Arkansas. He was born October 7th, 1942 in Clinton, Arkansas to James Herman (Zene) Kirkendoll and Wilma Amy Jane (Teague) Kirkendoll. He was a Christian.
Bill retired from Pilgrim's Pride as Superintendent of Production after 37 years of exemplary and diligent work. Having worked his way from the lowest entry position to being a supervisor, he worked alongside any employee "to keep the line running." He was recognized at his retirement as "the only man" that could be placed at "any position in that plant and could do the job right then!" He earned the respect of supervisors, inspectors and employees by being a man that could laugh and sing along with everyone, but was the boss when he needed to be, teaching, directing, supervising, knowing the rules inside and out and even defending those around him from internal and external foes.
Bill's biggest love in his life was his family. He watched his family grow with pride, but was also fascinated with the past. An amateur historian, he spent countless hours researching his genealogy and left us with a wealth of data. He cherished and shared memories, good and bad, from his humble and rough life growing up in Mill Camp, to the rustic freedom of the woods and hills alongside Archey Creek. It was there where he grew into a true outdoorsman. He was an avid fisherman, a love he got from his Ma. It was said he was able to "catch fish in a mudhole". He was an outstanding hunter, a love he received from his Pa. He hunted deer, raccoons, squirrels, birds, etc. Bill grew a beautiful garden "where a weed didn't stand a chance" for as long as he was able. He played dominoes for years, building relationships with friends and developing into one of the best players around. Bill also loved and played sports, excelling at football and softball with his crazy "getting-it" speed and "quick as a cat" reflexes. He shared all his abilities freely with those around him-teaching, mentoring and coaching. An impressive man with so much depth, he was able to work and play for hours on end, and yet equally able to be focused and serene. Bill was a hard man because he grew up hard, but he was fair and his heart was gold, his laughter sweet as honey and he would "give the shirt off his back" if asked for help. He truly gave his all at everything he did.
He leaves us with aching hearts and a longing till we meet again on the other side of eternity.
For Our Lord has given those who believe the hope of eternal life.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Zene and Wilma Kirkendoll, oldest sister, Bonnie Irene and bother-in-law, Leonard Archer; bother-in-law, Bon Dail Lentz and first wife, Nettie Jo Kirkendoll.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Enedelia (Nen) Kirkendoll; sisters, Betty Lou Lentz and Barbara Jean Mathes; daughter, Susie Kirkendoll; son, Rocky Joe Kirkendoll and wife, Bay; grandchildren, Amanda Sue Sowell and husband, Chris, Jared Parish and wife, Lindsey, Chance Parish and significant other, Paige Johnson, Kaitlin Privitt and husband, Jed; great grandchildren, Charleston Sowell and wife, Savannah, Kirsten Parish, Kadance Sowell, Annabelle Sowell, Hannah Parish, Sarah Parish, other relatives and many friends.
Honorary Pall Bearers are Joe Newman, George Snider, Charles Smith, Jose Franco, Bill Brown and Bill Lafferty.
Pall Bearers are Greg Bramlett, Michael Bramlett, Tyler Bigelow, Andy Bonds, Michael Kyle and Michael Jewett.
Visitation will be at 10:00 am on Monday, December 26, 2022 at the Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Clinton with Brother John Doyle and Brother Donnie Collins officiating. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Interment will be in Pee Dee Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bill's honor to The Call in Van Buren County, PO Box 881, Clinton, AR 72031.
To express online condolences please visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton
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22 Condolence(s)
Linda Cartwright
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
To Barbara, Nen and all of Bill's family,
I'm so very sorry that you had to experience this loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. He will live forever in your memories.
Doris Magness
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
We were so sorry to hear of Bill passing. I have such fond memories of him and sure enjoyed reminiscing of visits growing up. Praying for peace and comfort. We love ya'll
Rita Collums
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Condolences and prayers to the family. I will miss Billy Jo at the Pee Dee Cemetery Decorations. We always had a good visit. He was so supportive of the cemetery.
Rickey Bonds
Tuesday, December 27, 2022
To the Kirkendoll family - so sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one. My Dad and Mom always spoke highly of Bill and Nettie Jo. Praying for peace and consolation for you all. God bless.
Regina Adams
Tuesday, December 27, 2022
To Bay and Rocky and all the family you are in my prayers and to all the grandchildren and great grandchildren. Prayers for healing
Toney and Sallie Parish
Monday, December 26, 2022
We are sorry for your loss Susie, Rocky and families! Bill always had a sweet smile and friendly hello to us! We pray God’s peace to comfort your hearts!
Morris Bramlett
Monday, December 26, 2022
One of my favorite memories of Uncle Bill was playing softball on his team in a tournament over at Fox. We were playing a really good team that had a couple guys from LR that hit home runs when they batted in the first inning. When I came up to bat he ran out and told me he’d give me a dollar if I hit one out. He told me that we needed to show them we could do it too. I got hold of one and hit it out and he was so excited I thought he was going to run the bases with me. We ended up losing but we played them very close; much closer than any other team there. He was one of the best at motivating people to play hard. I really enjoyed the few tournaments I played on his team.
Alice Williams
Monday, December 26, 2022
Condolences for the family. I am in TX with my oldest son’s family which prohibited me from being there today. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of loss. I always remember uncle Billy Joe with a smile on his face.
Jimmy Nixon
Monday, December 26, 2022
A good man, treat people with respect may God bless his family
Diane morgan
Monday, December 26, 2022
Bill was a good man I enjoyed working with him he will be missed my heart goes out to the family my prayers are with you all RIP
Steve Trawick
Monday, December 26, 2022
Billy Joe was a one of a kind straight forward, truthful, hard working man. True to his family always, and a good friend you could count on. I knew that he lov
Julian. Maddox
Monday, December 26, 2022
Don Brafford
Sunday, December 25, 2022
Bill was a great friend and teacher for me. I know how much he loved and cherished his two children and will be missed greatly.
Diana Jones
Sunday, December 25, 2022
I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Bill, but I have known some of the wonderful family he leaves behind. My prayers are with his family at this difficult time.
Ann Aldridge
Sunday, December 25, 2022
I’m so sorry for your loss but I remember how hard Bill worked beside me how much he was there as a friend and a boss he will be truly missed
Martha Douglas
Sunday, December 25, 2022
Susie and Rocky, my heart goes out to you as you lay your dad to rest. Some of my fondest memories were made with your mom and dad. I loved them both . I hope you can find comfort in the many memories you have made. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you both. Much love. Martha Sue
Cindy Lankford
Sunday, December 25, 2022
So sorry for your loss. He was a good man will ve missed. Sending prayers to the family
Sammy & Anna Ward
Sunday, December 25, 2022
So sorry to hear of the passing of Billie Joe Mt thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Steve Duncan
Sunday, December 25, 2022
Condolences and sympathy to the family.
Bruce and Shannon Deckard
Sunday, December 25, 2022
So sad to hear about Bill . Our condolences and prayers go out to the family
Liz Bramlett
Sunday, December 25, 2022
Family - so very sorry for your loss of Bill. Prayers for each and everyone of you. ðŸ™ðŸ™â¤ï¸
Brice Smith
Sunday, December 25, 2022
Rocky and Susie so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all.