William "Bill" Garth Diles

William “Bill” Garth Diles, was born on February 18, 1936 at home in Ravenden Springs, Arkansas to Orvel Henry Diles and Iva Mae English Diles. He passed from this life on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Known as Billy in his youth, Bill dropped the “y” from his name when he married Billie LaFerney on August 8, 1964. He led his home and family with firm yet kind hand, strongly focused on spiritual things. He was known for his benevolence, championing those who were down, and servant heart. Bill began his career teaching at Williford High School, then on to Harding Academy as a General Business teacher, becoming Principal of the high school for the next 36 years, and finished out as the Assistant Superintendent to his friend, Mark Benton. He was known as the Voice of the Wildcats, announcing home football games and track meets for over 40 years; and keeping stats for away games and basketball. He coached his girls in city and school softball. He was competitive but kind in every activity, athletic or academic, and demanded good sportsmanship without exception. He served on the Arkansas Activities Association and the Secondary School Principals Association for many years. He sponsored the FBLA team, Key Club, and was a member of the Kiwanis Club. He was a deacon then an elder at the College Church of Christ for decades. His convictions and standards for himself were the highest of all. If he believed it, he lived it to the very best of his ability, every day. He never asked more of any person than he asked of himself--no double standards. His integrity, compassion, fairness, engaging humor, quick wit, quotable quotes, jokes, and delight in being a prankster are already deeply missed. Bill was a gentleman in every sense of the word. He sought the Kingdom of God first, hungering and thirsting after righteousness. Bill loved his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Orvel and Iva (English) Diles, his brother-in-law Ivan “Cotton” LaFerney, sister-in-law Johnnie LaFerney, and nephew Dale LaFerney. He is survived and treasured by his wife of 58 years, Billie, daughters Melita Porter, Vanesa (Randy) Wood; grandchildren Logan (Chelsey Wolcott) Porter; Blakely (Tye Brown) Wood; and Grant Wood; great-grands Asher Wolcott-Porter, Karis Wolcott, and Lennox Wolcott; brothers Bob (Mary) Diles, and Jim “Bud” (Mona) Diles; brother-in-law Preston(Ellen) LaFerney;14 nieces and nephews; Richard Mercer; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, dear cousins, and friends around the world. The family would like to thank the House of Three for their loving care, and in particular those who ministered to him and the family in his last days: Kristy, Sherry, Melissa, Makala, and Koy Butler, as well as Mendy, Jo Ann, Janessa, and Vickie with Gentiva Hospice for their care, prayers, and spiritual support. We treasure the friendships he made while at House of Three with other residents and their families. We cherish those as well. Services will be live streamed through the College Church of Christ Facebook page.

William "Bill" Garth Diles

February 18, 1936 - March 7, 2023