William H. "Billy" Collison

Mr. William “Billy” Howard Collison, Jr. went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, at his home and surrounded by his beloved family. He was born on July 28, 1935, in Searcy, Arkansas, to the late Willie Mae and William Howard Collison. Billy has been a lifelong resident of Bald Knob and has always committed himself to the betterment of the city and his church (First Christian Church). After Billy graduated from the University of Mississippi with a BA degree, he received additional training by completing his U.S. Army basic training. After returning home, he became active in many projects and community activities over the years: Chairman of the Board of the First Christian Church; President and past treasurer of the Bald Knob Volunteer Ambulance service; member of the Bald Knob City Council; served as interim mayor; member of the Bald Knob Industrial Development Corporation, past President of the Bald Knob School Public Education Foundation; Lions Club; Citizen of the Year 1990; executive member of Save Our School committee. Billy has been in the business community for 61 years as President of J. Collison Co. Inc. and the Collison Cotton Gin and Grain Company. During this time he also expanded the business and built the fertilizer plant in Griffithville. He worked closely with many business associates and local farmers. Billy is survived by his loving wife for over 59 years, Sue Collison; and two children Bill and wife Terie Collison; Marla and husband Kyle Brown; five grandchildren Kristy Ulekowski (Jared); Leah Zils (Ben); Eric Collison; Cody and Michele Brown; and five great-grandchildren; Ava, Logan, and Lexi Ulekowski, and McKinley and Luke Zils. He is also survived by his sister Franchelle Mullin (Jim); sister-in- law Donna Hammett (Bill) and many other loving family and friends. A special thank you to the people at Arkansas Hospice, especially Renea Neal, his caregivers, Jana Covington, Amanda Peacock, and friend Denia Rusinowski for their care and support during his time of need. Visitation will be Saturday, October 27, at Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Funeral service will be Sunday, October 28, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the First Christian Church in Bald Knob. Burial, with military honors, will follow in the Shady Grove Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob – Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net.

William H. "Billy" Collison

July 28, 1935 - October 24, 2018