SULPHUR ROCK — William E. “Buddy” Colton,

79, of Sulphur Rock, passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. Buddy was born on May 7, 1943, in Batesville, Ark., to the late William Craig Colton and Mae Cathrine (Hagler) Colton. He was of Christian faith and attended Magness Church of Christ when he was able. Buddy loved drag racing and attending car shows. He enjoyed going to yard sales and watching Westerns and Hallmark movies with his wife. Buddy was a Mason and a Veteran of the United States Army. He loved to play the guitar and in the early 60s, he even played with the Beatles in a pub in Liverpool. Above all else, Buddy was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend who will be dearly missed by those who loved him.

Buddy is survived by his wife of almost 56 years, Laura (Scroggins) Colton of Sulphur Rock, Ark.; daughter, Patricia Mentzer of Sherwood, Ark.; son, David P. Colton of Cabot, Ark.; adopted daughter, Krystal Searcy of Batesville, Ark.; beloved special needs child, Kayleigh Rutledge of Sulphur Rock, Ark.; sister, Nancy England (Ray) of Southside, Ark.; eight grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers: Noah David “Butch” Colton and Michael Douglas Colton.

Visitation will be Sunday, May 15, 2022, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Willis Funeral Service. The funeral service, officiated by Kenny Tharp, will be Monday, May 16, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Willis Funeral Service. The family requests that casual attire be worn for the service. Interment will follow at Sulphur Rock Cemetery. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Jeff Fuller, Dayden Colton, Bucky Mayfield, David Lee Colton, Randy Bradley, and Brandon Bradley.