Noel Eugene Willison was born the son of Ward Roe Willison and Lottie Mae (Todd) Willison on January 25, 1938, in Fulton County, Arkansas, and departed this life on March 30, 2015, in Salem, Arkansas, at the age of 77 years.
He was united in marriage on June 11, 1982, at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, to Betty Jo Pendarvis.
He is survived by his wife of thirty-two years, Betty Jo Willison of the home in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; three children, Debbie Rose and husband, Dennis of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, Delores Allen and husband, Mark of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and Rick Willison of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas; two step-daughters, Louise Alexander of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Ramona Bailey and husband, Terry of Fort Smith, Arkansas; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Clara Crabtree of West Plains, Missouri, Juanita Hunt of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, and Joyce Hollis of West Plains, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Donna Collins of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, and Edith Foster of Jonesboro, Arkansas; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ward and Lottie Mae Willison.
Noel was a graduate of the Mammoth Spring High School with the class of 1957.
He was a well-known meat cutter, working in the Thayer area supermarkets for over forty-three years.
Noel was a life-long outdoorsman who thoroughly enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and the game of baseball. As a young man, he dreamed of a professional baseball career by trying out for the Cardinals and Royals. Noel’s passion for baseball continued as an avid Saint Louis Cardinal baseball fan until the date of his death.
Noel loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest. He cherished the Easter and Christmas holiday seasons, especially playing games with the children and on several occasions, dressed as Santa Claus.
Noel loved to worship the Lord in song, and was a faithful member of the Welcome Hill Church of Christ.
The life he lived touched family and friends by the love shown for all, his good nature, kind heart, great smile, sweet spirit, and generous soul.
He will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and a loyal friend. He will truly be missed by all.
Funeral services will be Thursday, April 2, 2015, at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with Erman Croney officiating.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home chapel Wednesday evening, April 1st, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.
Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery at Mammoth Spring, with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and may be left at the funeral home.
March 31, 2015 @ 9:42 am
Noel was a brother in Christ, a classmate in school, so steadfast in his faith, and he will be missed very much. Betty and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
March 31, 2015 @ 11:16 pm
Sympathy to Noels family. I am shocked at this bad news. Noel was my third cousin I guess, but closer than that. He and I are the same age, so hate this for everyone that knew and loved him. He was so special, a caring soul. He will be missed. Prayers for all the family.
April 1, 2015 @ 3:58 pm
So sorry for your lost you are in my prayers.
April 2, 2015 @ 9:20 am
Noel dearly loved his church family at Welcome Hill and he will certainly be missed by them.
Our sympathy to Betty, family and friends.
April 8, 2015 @ 9:54 am
Dear Betty & family,
Experiencing the death of a loved one is so personal that very few can understand the grief
involved. Perhaps it will help to ease your sadness if you know that Noel will be greatly missed and your in my thoughts and prayers.