Garrett Lee Bosley, Sr.

Garrett Lee Bosley Sr. passed away on October 29, 2026, at the age of 80. Born on April 8, 1946, in Texarkana, Arkansas, he was the beloved son of the late Gary and Lea Bosley. He was known affectionately to friends and family as Bill, a nickname that stuck after he playfully called himself "Wild Bill Hickok" as a child.

Bill shared 59 years of marriage with his wife, Donna Munnerlyn Bosley. Together, they built a life centered around family, traveling, and community. He is survived by his two sons and their wives, Garrett “Chip” and Jennifer Bosley, and Brennan and Keri Bosley. He was a proud grandfather to Garrett and Dillon Bosley, Haley and Jeffrey Hodge, and Savannah Bosley, and a great-grandfather to Sutton, Wells, and Mary Brennan Hodge.

Bill earned a degree in civil engineering and initially worked for the Arkansas Highway Department. He later joined Donna’s Daddy, Rip Munnerlyn, who had been in the building business for 50 years. Bill partnered with him, and upon Rip’s retirement, renamed the company Bosley Construction in 1984, establishing a career that became his life's work and positioning him as a cornerstone of the home building industry.

Throughout his distinguished 50-year career, Bill was a fierce advocate for his peers, proudly representing the small builder at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). His leadership led him to serve as a National Vice President, Area Vice President, and chairman of the board of the research center for NAHB, serving as chairman of the President’s Council. He held every single office within both the Arkansas and the Greater Little Rock Home Builders Associations, and was honored as Builder of the Year. He was essential in creating the Residential Contractors Licensing Board, serving on it for many years and helping pass the foundational licensing law for residential builders that remains in effect today. Reflecting his pioneering legacy, Bill proudly held registration number 1. Innovating until the end, Bill built the very first Smart House in the South, located in North Little Rock.

Bill was deeply driven to protect and establish the future of the industry, knowing his sons were keeping the company going. Beyond his commercial work, he was a dedicated civic leader, serving as Chairman of the North Little Rock Planning Commission. He was honored with the prestigious Gene Smith Award from the Little Rock Executive Association for his outstanding business leadership. More than the titles, though, Bill truly loved the meetings, gatherings, and fellowship that came with his work. He was a natural storyteller who loved nothing more than meeting new people, trading stories, sharing the rich experiences of his life, and talking about the building industry.

Bill and Donna also poured their hearts into local youth sports, establishing the soccer program for Lakewood in North Little Rock. Deeply invested in community safety, Bill served as the Board Chairman of the Turtle Creek Fire Department, where he actively spearheaded fundraising campaigns to secure vital new equipment for local firefighters.

Summers were spent making unforgettable memories at Mountain Harbor. Bill and Donna loved welcoming a wide circle of friends and family into their summer days. Whether he was out in the boat, waterskiing, or riding motorcycles, Bill embraced every moment of outdoor adventure. He was an avid outdoorsman who found great joy fishing on Lake Hamilton and Lake Ouachita, snow skiing, and scuba diving.

Bill had a lifelong passion for cars, especially the sporty and fast ones. His favorite car of all was his custom-built Shelby GT 350, which he took to car shows and won several trophies. He thoroughly enjoyed participating in these shows and meeting other car enthusiasts.

Bill had a deep love for the American West and the western lifestyle. He enjoyed riding horses and exploring wide-open spaces. He and Donna enjoyed hitting the road in their motor home, taking cross-country trips out west and spending time together in Red River, New Mexico.

His warmth, his stories, and his vibrant spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The family extends their deepest thanks and gratitude to his Life Touch Hospice caretakers—Cheryl, Rebecca, Joann, Miracle, Krista, and Crystal—who provided so much comfort, dignity, and kindness in his final days.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Enclave Gallery in Benton, located at 112 E Ashley Street. In keeping with Bill's love for jeans and cowboy boots, this will be a casual gathering. Family and friends are invited to come as they are to share stories and remember Bill over light snacks and refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Saline County Habitat for Humanity, 404 West Walnut, Benton, AR 72015.