Billy Venable

Billy Ross Venable, 85, went to be with the Lord September 27, 2020.  He was born March 7, 1935 in North Little Rock, Arkansas to the late Jess and Mandy (Tackett) Venable.

Billy loved the Lord and was a member of Crystal Hill Baptist Church where he served as a deacon.  He was a hard worker, and retired from Western Union with thirty-five years of service. Billy started working at the age of thirteen, riding his bicycle, delivering telegrams. Following his retirement, he worked at Southern Reprographics for twenty-five years.  Billy was an awesome singer and led music when needed at church.  He was a loving, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and Papaw to his great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.  His daughters say he was the best father in the world.  Billy enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the Razorbacks.

Preceding Billy in death are: his wife of sixty-six years, Martha Ann Venable; parents; and seven siblings.

He leaves to cherish his memory four daughters:  Cheryl Freeman and husband Dennis of Traskwood, Arkansas, Janet McPherson and husband Gary of North Little Rock, Arkansas, Cynthia “Cindy” Straughn and husband Anthony of Benton, Arkansas, and Terrie Whatley and husband Steve of Benton, Arkansas; twelve grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; three siblings:  Tommy Venable and wife Linda of Shannon Hills, Arkansas, Debbie Holdcraft and husband Donnie of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Sandy Victory and husband Danny of North Little Rock, Arkansas; and many family members and friends who love Billy and will miss him always.

Visitation will be held 6:00-8:00 PM, Wednesday, September 30 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas.  Funeral service, officiated by Bro. Daniel Cargill, will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, October 1, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Interment to follow at Forest Hills Cemetery in Alexander, Arkansas.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.