WILLIAM “SONNY BILL” KEITH,
83, passed away on December 31, 2021, after a long battle with Parkinson’s.
He was born in Stuttgart, Ark., in 1938, and lived in Wichita Falls, Texas, until 1960.
He graduated from Midwestern University before moving to Fayetteville, Arkansas, to attend the University of Arkansas where he completed a Master’s degree in Zoology in 1964. He developed his passion for fish by spending countless hours on the lakes and rivers of Texas and Arkansas.
His working career began in summer jobs with Texas Parks and Wildlife on Lake Texoma, and he fulfilled his young man’s dream of working with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission from 1964 until 1984. In 1965 he was promoted to the position of District Fisheries Biologist for southwest Arkansas, and in 1971 became the Chief of the Fisheries Division. He was one of the early scientific pioneers in the protection of the State’s waterways and aquatic life. His work included studying water quality for Carpenter and Remmel Dams, establishing nursery ponds to enhance fish production and stocking practices, and humanitarian efforts in the Azores to help locals raise freshwater catfish.
From 1984 until his retirement in 2003 he worked with the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission to initiate an intensive study of fish and microinvertebrate populations to determine physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the least-disturbed stream in various watersheds. Luckily for him, this meant he experienced the State’s pristine lakes and streams to determine a scientific baseline for their “natural” state. This led to the establishment of water quality standards, which we still rely on, to protect Arkansas water resources. He treasured the lakes and rivers of our State and devoted his work to have a lasting benefit on them. He was a highly respected scientist and fisheries biologist, mentoring many of the State’s top biologists, throughout his 40 years of service to the State of Arkansas.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Carolyn; daughters, Machelle Digby (Bob), Tamra Forjan (Jim); grandchildren, Rachel Eckert (Lee), Andrew, John and Luke; great-grandson, Brooks Eckert; sisters, Llewellyn Webster (Terry) and Jacque Alexander (Bobby) and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends beginning at 12:30 p.m., before the 1:30 p.m., service on January 8, 2022, at First Christian Church, 14411 Taylor Loop Road, Little Rock. Services can also be viewed via livestream at: www. fcclr.live. Interment will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church or Buffalo River Watershed Alliance. Due to Covid-19 concerns, masks will be required. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal