Billy Gean Bice, age 84, returned to his Heavenly home on Dec 7th 2018.  He passed peacefully at home after a brief hospital stay.

His devotion to his family and firm belief in God supported him during his life and gave him peace. A servant in life, Bill is now, by the grace of God, realizing his reward in heaven for his service to others. His reward was secured from the moment he accepted Christ into his heart.

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.  2 Corinthians 5:1

The son of Rev. Jesse Lee Bice and Vera Fowler Bice, Bill was born July 20, 1934, in Yell County, Arkansas. It was a simple life with hard work, and he told of chopping cotton as a boy during the summer months in order to buy clothes for school in the fall, which was a one-room school house.

Bill played football as a Little John, and graduated from Danville High School in 1952. After high school, he moved to St. Louis, and worked at various occupations, including being a police officer for the City of St. Louis, and ultimately a supervisor of machinist at The Measuregraph Company.

With a longing for home Bill returned to Arkansas in 1978, settling his family in Clarksville, where he accepted a position at the Singer Plant, supervising the manufacture of Black and Decker power tools. When the plant ceased operation, Bill went on to own and operate a Fina Service Station in Clarksville, where his sons would help out after school and on weekends. Bill joined Entergy as a Sr. Journeyman Mechanic and contributed to the operation of Arkansas Nuclear One until his retirement.

Bill is preceded in death by sisters, Mildred Eloise Barnett, Eula Mae Rose, Wanda Hale, Mary Virginia Mayben; brother, Loyd Dale Bice, Sr., and nephew, Loyd Dale (Tyke) Bice, Jr.

Bill is survived by his spouse/companion, Barbara Bice; his brother Ricky Bice (Sue) of Waldron, five children: Debbie Grabfelder of Fredericksburg, Virgina, Steven Bice (Paula) of Plainfield, Indiana, David Bice of Russellville, John Bice (Michelle) of Little Rock, Donald Bice (Letha) of Clarksville; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Bill had a special place in his heart for niece Robin Smith of Russellville, who attended his church and ministered to his needs when he was in the hospital.

A graveside service will be held at Chalybeate Springs Cemetery, Danville, Arkansas, Tuesday, February 11th at 1:00 PM.

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle. Online Guest Book and Condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com