Billy Norwood

Billy Gene Norwood, aka Wild Bill and Sweet William, age 83 of Friendship, passed away Friday January 3, 2020 at home surrounded by his family. He was born October 23, 1936 in Malvern to the late Jake and Mildred Draper Norwood.

Bill was a retired iron worker. He loved to fish and hunt. He was a founding member of the Ouachita Fire Department, serving with the fire department for forty years. His greatest joy was his family. He loved to watch his grandsons and great-grandsons play ball.

He was preceded in death by his wife of fifty years, Sue Ledbetter Norwood; four brothers, Charles, Jerry, Max and Cecil Norwood.

Survivors are two daughters, Debbie (Lynn) Rook of Arkadelphia and Sandy (Bruce) Hixon of Brown Springs; five grandchildren, Chad (Cassie) Rook of Ruston, LA, Jeremy (Tosha) Rook of Benton, Mandy (Shane) Stephenson of Arkadelphia, Buddy (Erika) Hixon of Sunburg, MN and Chris (Misty) Hixon of Brown Springs; eleven great-grandchildren, Kailyn, Cooper, Case, Rylie, Brady, Millie, Jarret, Gabby, Lexi, Mason and Will; his side kick, Ed Ray of Friendship; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be 6-8 PM Monday, January 6 ^th at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia.

Service will be at 1:00 PM Tuesday, January 7 ^th at Riverside Baptist Church with Bro Bill Holland officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.  Pallbearers are Chad Rook, Buddy Hixon, Chris Hixon, Jeremy Rook, Shane Stephenson, Mason Norman and Will Hixon. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Ouachita Fire Department.

Memorials may be made to Ouachita Fire Department c/o Ryan Parish Schoolhouse Rd. Donaldson, AR. 71941.