MOUNTAIN VIEW — Billy Gene Foster,

aged 92, of Mountain View, Ark., passed away peacefully in his sleep December 1, 2021, at White River Health Care and Rehab at Calico Rock, Arkansas. Bill joined his soul mate of 67 years, Zeddie Rue Barnes Foster. He was preceded in death by his parents by his father, Hubert Thomas Foster, and mother, Cletus Hinkle Foster. Survivors include a son, Brent Thomas Foster and daughter, Brenda Gail Foster, many grandchildren including, Ethan Thomas Foster and Raven Shelene Foster of Mountain View, as well as many other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Bill was born in Pryor, Oklahoma, on July 15, 1929, a child of the depression. After living through the Dust Bowl, the family moved back to Stone County because of the family’s deep roots in the area. Relatives had homesteaded Cagens Creek on White River and donated the land for Mount Joy Cemetery. During the Great Depression, the family had to travel across the country to work harvesting fruit, even starting a business in Bakersfield, California, before eventually returning home to Stone County where Bill met the love of his life, and married Zeddie Rue Foster. Bill joined later joined the Air Force and was stationed in Cape Canaveral, Florida, from 1950-1954. After his enlistment he returned to Mountain View, Arkansas, with his wife and children.

Bill was a self-made businessman with a passion for Hod Rod cars which lead him into being a car mechanic. He eventually opened a vehicle garage and body shop. He also started buying and selling vehicles and was well known by other car dealers around Arkansas. In the 70’s he became an entrepreneur in real estate, cattle farming, as well as owning an RV dealership. In the 90’s he owned a pawn shop in Mountain View. After this time, he spent his time enjoying life with his wife. Bill was a jack of all trades and mastered them all. He was a high standing member of fraternal organizations like the Shriners as well as a well-established businessman in Stone County for over 50 years and was still operating his business up until his death. He was an animal lover and known for his sense of humor and unique charm.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., on December 11, at Cornerstone House of Prayer located at, 211 Highway AR-5 South, with Daniel Stephens officiating. Special Thanks to Dr. John Dawson Irving, M.D., Dr. Michelle Bishop, M.D., Dr. C.D. Williams, M.D., and Dr. Adam Gray, M.D., the staff of Stone County Medical Center with special thanks for her extra care, Missy Turner and Mary Ann Green of hospice. The family also thanks White River Health Care and Rehab. The final arrangements were made by Olmstead Funeral Home in Heber Springs, Arkansas. If you would like to make a donation in Bill’s honor, please donate to: ROSCO P. COAL TRAIN’S COMMUNITY OUTREACH. www.olmstead.cc