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Submitted: 7/21/16 • Approved: 3/9/23 • Last Updated: 3/12/23 • R1149611-G0-S3
November 27, 1927 - August 26, 2011
Mgst. {1st. Sgt} William H. Voorhies, USAF, RET. of El Dorado, passed away Friday, August 26, 2011, at the Medical Center of South Arkansas following a brief illness. Bill was born November 27, 1927, at Chenneyville, Louisiana to William I. and Effie H. Voorhies.
He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, the Eastern Star, a 32nd Degree Mason both in the York and Scottish Rite Bodies and a Shriner.
Bill was retired from the U.S. Air Force, as Master Sergeant {First Sergeant}, and also served in the U.S. Navy as Radioman First Class in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was awarded the following medals: AF Commendation Medal with 1-Oak Leaf Cluster, Navy Distinguished Unit Citation (Presidential Unit Citation), AF Outstanding Unit Award, Navy Good Conduct with 2 loops, AF Good Conduct Medal with 1-Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct with 3-bronze loops, National Defense Service with Bronze Star, Vietnamese Service Award with 3- Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign, AF Longevity Service Award, and Navy Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.
He was a Small Engine Instructor, Night Extension Class, at the Oil Belt Vocational Technical School for 18 years and also coordinator and instructor for Arkansas Hunter Education Program for 26 years thru South Arkansas Community College.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, James Chester Voorhies, and George Ray Voorhies; and a sister, Mary Bernice Gafford.
Happy to have been a part of Bill’s life are his wife of 56 years, Betty Jo of El Dorado; son James Ray Voorhies of Little Rock, AR; sister, Nancy B. Cuckler of Hot Springs, SD; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, August 29, 2011, at Immanuel Baptist Church with Rev. Faron Rogers and Jack Godwin, Jr., officiating. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Young’s Funeral Directors. A private burial will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the charity of donor’s choice.
Contributed on 7/21/16 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 1149611