of Greenbrier, AR
September 3, 1943 - August 15, 2023
William Randolph "Bill" Townsend, 79, of Greenbrier went to be with the Lord Tuesday, Aug 15, 2023.
He was born Sept 3, 1943 in Clovis, New Mexico to Dud and Lucy Townsend. He graduated from Lovington High School in 1961. Following graduation his family moved to Boonville, AR. He attended Arkansas Tech University for 2 years before becoming a proud Razorback. In 1965, he graduated from the University of Arkansas with an Agricultural Science Degree. After graduation, he moved to Conway where he went to work for the Soil Conservation Service, until retirement 33 years later.
While in Conway he met the love of his life, JoAnn, to whom he was married for 51 years.
Community was important to Bill. For 56 years he was a member of the Conway Optimist Club. Some of his favorite annual events were selling Christmas trees and hosting the Youth Fishing Derby. He was a boy scout troop leader for almost 10 years. Other areas of community service included Faulkner County Museum Board member, poll sheriff for numerous elections and he donated countless hours to the Bethlehem food pantry since its inception.
For 48 years he was a faithful member of Bethlehem Baptist Church where he served as deacon. His dedication to the Lord was evident in the way he loved the church and the people in it. He cherished his church family and always looked forward to meeting together for worship, to learn and to fellowship.
One of his greatest joys was following his grandkids all over the state to cheer them on at ballgames and livestock shows.
Anyone who ever met him knew he loved his family, friends, a hearty laugh and a good story.
Survived by his wife, JoAnn; daughters, Kristy (George) Roberts, Karon (Mike) Reynolds; Grandchildren, Chase (Becky) Roberts, Gavin (Haley) Roberts, Morgan (Jesse) Mohon; 7 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; a sister, Sally Parker and a host of family and friends.
A memorial service will be held August 19th at Bethlehem Baptist Church, beginning at 12:30. Immediately following the service, there will be a Celebration of Life gathering in the church's family life center.
Memorials may be made to the Bethlehem Food Pantry.
Bill lived well, laughed often and loved much.
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25 Condolence(s)
Loretta M Burgess
Saturday, August 19, 2023
So sorry to hear about Mr. Bill. All of you are in our prayers.
Christy Clifton
Saturday, August 19, 2023
JoAnn and family I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing, he was such a good man. You will all be in our prayers.
Curtis & Hope Terry
Friday, August 18, 2023
Bill was a friend he help us when we first moved here 1994 with a some farm programs , and remained as a friend even after his retirement . Prayers for all .
Holly Turner Hudson
Friday, August 18, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Brenda Sue McClain
Friday, August 18, 2023
JoAnn and family, I am so very sorry to read your loss of a loving husband, father, grandfather and good friend to so many. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I have so many wonderful memories spent with your family.
Bill M Ward Ward
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Joann, Kristen and Karon . . . just now learned of Bill’s passing. What an incredible friend he was. When I joined the staff at Bethlehem many years ago, Bill was immediately a person I could count on—for anything. I regret I will not be able to travel from Colorado for the service, but I will forever hold Bill Townsend in my heart . . . and I love his family!
Calvin & Charlotte Davis
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Bill was a loving husband, a devoted family man, a Christian servant, a loyal friend, a fun-loving colleague, an active citizen of the community and an example for all men to imitate. He was loved and will be missed!
Robert Moore
Thursday, August 17, 2023
During my time of working with Bill, I found him to be one of the kindest persons you could know! A valuable and respected deacon who was slow to judge, tho diligent and always had the churches best interest in his heart. He and Joann were a blessing to our family ! May God look over this family and grant them peace. Robert and Jan Moore
Christian Love!
Cheryl McCollum Sager
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Joann and family, Bill was one of a kind and I have loved him since I was a child. My grandparents and parents loved him and especially when he came to visit and eat with us. He told us kids that the scar on his arm was from an Indian fight!! Of course we believed him. He will be so missed. Hugs and prayers.
Brenda Hawkins
Thursday, August 17, 2023
JoAnn and family, just now saw this and was so sad to hear about Bill. I remember meeting him when we worked on the same floor in the Post Office. He was always such a friendly person and just the nicest person to be around. My prayers for all of you.
Helen Denniston
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Bill was such a great person, and it was a pleasure to work with him at the Soil Conservation Service. I appreciated his knowledge and his willingness to share it with his co-workers and me when I was a new employee. He certainly loved him family and was a faithful Christian. May God bless your family as you move forward from his loss.
Helen Dennniston
Ricky "Tadpole" Harrington
Thursday, August 17, 2023
RIP Mr. Bill. Never heard nothing but good about you. Prayers for all.
Aimee Sudmeyer McClaren
Thursday, August 17, 2023
JoAnn - I have a prior engagement I can’t get out off or I would be there. I loved Bill so much. He and Donny were really close too. I will be praying for you. If I can help you in any way please let me know.
TREVA BRANSCUM
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Ladies there are not enough good and positive words to describe Mr. Bill. He was a staple of the commuity and his Church, he will be missed by so many. My heart and prayers are with you all for the days to come.
J. R. and Sandra Barnett
Thursday, August 17, 2023
JoAnn and girls, just was told about this, so so sorry. Goes to show you how quick things can happen. We love you all and are in our prayers
Sid and Lea Ann Lowrance
Thursday, August 17, 2023
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing away. Bill and I worked together for scs as soil scientist and worked FFA land judging events over our many years. One great man!
Lori Williams Barker
Thursday, August 17, 2023
The Townsends,
When I heard the news last night, i hit hard! Bill was my first boss for SCS in Conway. Bill was so helpful and worked hard to help me get to know more about my roles, conservation, dealing with customers, field work and being a good employee. I have reflected many times over my first soil conservationist job, I realized how much he poured into me to be a better employee when I left than when I came. I have so many memories of my time there. I often thought of Bill and how he enjoyed his retirement especially as get close to mine. I regret not reaching out to say hi and above all THANK YOU. THANKS for teaching me how to be a better employee, how to navigate good and bad customers and how to respect each other in the office. Bill was a great conservationist, helpful to all who needed his assistance and from all his sharing about his family and Church. a man who loves the Lord and Loved his family dearly. Lori W. Barker
Cyndi Bailey
Thursday, August 17, 2023
I’m sorry for your loss. Bill was a good man who will be missed by many. He always had a smile for everyone. May God give you peace, comfort and healing for your broken hearts.
Bill Voyles
Thursday, August 17, 2023
He was my Scoutmaster in troop 392. They say that people may not remember what you say but they will always remember how you make them feel. VERY true about Bill Townsend. As good of a man as I have ever known.
My sympathy to the family. Praying peace and comfort for you.
Dianne Bass Schlenker
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Met Bill during the early part of my career with NRCS (SCS). He was always pleasant and joking with everyone at meetings we attended. He was always nice and considerate of those around him. Sorry for the loss to the family.
Melinda Reynolds
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Joann and family, Bill was always a pleasure to be around. He always had a smile for everyone. You and your family will be in our prayers.
Jim and Charlsie McBride
Thursday, August 17, 2023
To all the Townsend family,
Bill was a wonderful,likable,Christian man. His presence in the community will be missed by everyone. We are so sorry for your loss.
Lisa Goodnight
Thursday, August 17, 2023
JoAnn, Kristen, Karon, and family,
My heart is breaking for all of you, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Bill was a good man and had my upmost respect. He will be missed.
Timothy Starkey
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
I am deeply sorry for your loss there will never be another
Don and Raye Jean Dow Linn
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Just saw this and we are so sorry. He was a good man and a good neighbor for many years. Thoughts and prayers.