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Submitted: 5/31/17 • Approved: 6/3/17 • Last Updated: 6/6/17 • R1186127-G0-S3
Apr 17, 1943-Mar 5, 2013
Former Arkansas State Senator and Attorney Bill Walters of Greenwood, Arkansas, died today, March 5, 2013, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a strong supporter of the Relay for Life held in Greenwood; which raised awareness of cancer and was a fund raiser for the American Cancer Society. Senator Walters was 69 years old.
He first open his private practice in 1971, after graduating from the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He served as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Sebastian County from 1971 to 1975. He later served at Greenwood City Attorney from 1972-1982 as well as the City Attorney for the City of Mansfield for a number of years. He served at Municipal Court Judge for Franklin County (Charleston) from 1978 to 1979. Later, he was elected to the Arkansas Senate and proudly served for 18 years.
In addition to his legal duties, bill served as president of the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce; was a member of the Greenwood Lion's Club; was the founder of the South Sebastian County Boys and Girls Club; did "pro bono" work through the Arkansas Volunteer Lawyers for the Elderly; was active in the Civil Air Patrol; was a certified pilot; and held many positions in various committees and boards throughout Sebastian County. He was of the Catholic faith. Bill was one of the folks who flew Angel flight and organ donor flights and transported patients when they needed air flight to another hospital. He also helped in searches from his air plane for lost folks. He received the Greenwood Citizen of the Year and was named Who's Who Among Trial Lawyers. Senator Walters was named one of the top 10 Arkansas legislators in 1995, an award he well deserved.
Senator Walters is survived by his wife: Shirley Waltes; 3 daughters: Jamie El-Erain and her husband: Mohamed, Sherry Marrier and her husband: Brian, and Sandra Dewey and her husband: Marshal; his precious grandchildren: Samia El-Erain, William, Jacob, Hannah, Katie, Sarah and Emma Dewey; 4 brothers: Charles Walters andhis wife:Kieki, robert Walters and his wife: Beverly, Eddie Walters and his wife:Rosemary, and Jimmy Walters; 1 sister: Betty Beshoner; other relatives; and many, many, many dear friends and associates.
Funeral service was held on Friday, March 8, 2013, at Christ the King Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Pallbearers were: Paul Rush, Senator Bruce Holland, John Paul Walker, Ed Beshoner, Troy Gaston, and Derrick Allison.
Honorary pallbearers were: Honey Graham, Wayland Parker, Robert Gage, Chris Young, Mac Jones and John Laborde.
Contributed on 5/31/17 by bill060
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Record #: 1186127