William “Bill” Dildy, 70, died peacefully at his home in Lockesburg, Ark., on Nov. 13, 2023. He was born on Oct. 28, 1953, in Nashville, Ark., to William and Billie Fern Dildy.
Bill’s father was in the Army, so he traveled the world with his family as a child. He lived in Greece at one point and in Frankfort, Germany, where he graduated high school. With his father often being away, and his mother working to provide for the family, Bill, being the second child and oldest son of five children, was often a caretaker for his siblings, along with his sister Becky, who he shared a very special bond with. Like his father, as a young man, Bill joined the military. He served as a cook in the Air Force and was a proud veteran. Just like everything else he ever did, he excelled at cooking, and his family always enjoyed being able to reap the benefits that came with his military career.
When Bill had children, he did what always came natural to him and was a caretaker for them as well. He made many sacrifices to make sure the four of them were always taken care of. At one point, his children recall that he walked six miles to and from work daily to provide for them. Bill was a very hard worker and enjoyed his long-time career as a maintenance man at Tyson Foods. Some of his most cherished and beloved friendships where with the people he worked with there over the years.
Later in life, he married his best friend and love of his life, Robin Wilson. They would have celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on Dec. 31, 2023. They had a shared love for Native American artifacts, and they enjoyed arrowhead hunting together. They also shared a love for music and listening to old vinyl albums, and traveling whenever they got a chance. Most of all, they loved spending time together with their eighteen grandchildren. Say what you want about Bill, but one thing that could never be disputed is that he loved his family and was a very loyal and devoted father, grandfather, and husband.
Bill was highly intelligent and is one of the only people his family can think of who got a High School Diploma and a GED. He loved to read and passed his love of books on to his daughters. He also loved to hunt and fish and passed his love of the outdoors on to his son. He had many fine attributes that he passed on to his children. To Letha, he passed on his intelligence, determination, and strength. LeBre got her good heart, willingness to help, and love of family from him. Brady, undoubtedly, got his good looks and sweet smile, but also got his quick temper and ingenuity. He passed his dry sense of humor and quick wit to Kimber, and ohhhh, his smirk… Kimber definitely got that Bill Dildy smirk. He loved to joke around and poke fun. The thing his stepchildren loved most about him was how he made their mother laugh, and how he aggravated her endlessly.
He overcame many obstacles and much adversity in his life, but he was most proud of becoming a Christian and overcoming alcoholism and drug addiction. The changes in him after turning to God led him to marry his wife, Robin, and become a member at New Life Church. Having a relationship with God also strengthened his relationships with his children and the rest of his family.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, William Dildy and wife Shirley, his mother, Billie Fern Dildy, his brother, Thomas “Tommy” Dildy, two brothers-in-law, Frank Pickett and Dexter Creel, and his very best friend, Larry Johnson.
He is survived by his wife, Robin Wilson of Lockesburg, Ark., three sisters Rebecca “Becky” Pickett of Nashville, Ark, Frances Dawson of Mineral Springs, Ark, and Charlotte Creel of Baton Rouge, LA, one brother Robert “Bobby” Dildy (wife Reeca) of Bella Vista, Ark, four daughters Letha Doná Dew (husband Heath) of Springhill, La., Anndra LeBre Jordan (husband Jason) of Nashville, Ark, Kimber Dildy of Shreveport, La., and Wilhelmina Wilson Curry (husband Phillip) of Nashville, Ark,; two sons Brady Dildy of Springhill, La., and Justin Wilson (wife Deidre) of Nashville, Ark.; 18 grandchildren, Dylan, Lane, Hayden, Zoey, Lilly, Bubba, Keri, Bella, Emma, Bradie Wayne, Ryan, Jace, Jimma, Maddie, Logan, Calvert, Dylan Rose, and Farrah, along with a whole host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Dec. 2, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at New Life Church at 913 S. Main St, Nashville, Ark.
You may send an online sympathy message at www.latimerfuneralhome.com.
