BILLY JOE “BILL” BLACKWOOD
peacefully departed this life on January 7, 2022, with his family at his side. He was born on December 9, 1928, to William Oliver “Bud” and Zettie Marie (Motley) Blackwood. He was the fourth of seven children and was raised in the Sylvan Hills community, which is now part of Sherwood, Ark.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Barbara Dean (Cochran); son, Anthony; his brother, William Harold Blackwood (Bonnie); four grandchildren, Kimberly, Samantha, Brandon, and Josh; and seven great-grandchildren; also 13 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Bill Michael; his parents; his sisters, Ina Rea “Sonny” Gerardi (Chuck), Martha Sue Farris (Gerald), Marilou McDonald (Joe), Frances Gossoo (Jim), brother Junior “Jerry” Blackwood (Estelle); nephews, Sammy Gossoo and Jonathon Blackwood (Dean).
Bill graduated from North Little Rock High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, fighting in the Korean War. After the war he went to work for the Missouri Pacific Railroad, now known as Union Pacific, spending 38 years with the company. He also worked part-time with Inner City Boiler Works and Twin City Boiler Works.
He eventually moved on to what was his favorite occupation. When he was still in high school, he drove a bus for the elementary and junior high kids from Sylvan Hills. He always wanted to return to it. While still with Union Pacific he decided to join the Pulaski County Special School District as a bus driver. His desire was to carry ball teams to their games. To do so he had to become a regular driver for the district, which he did for 33 years. He was well-known for the love and care he shared with the kids that rode with him. Bill was forever grateful for the opportunity to carry whom he considered “precious cargo.” He lost count of the number of football, basketball, baseball, and volleyball games, band and field trips and special events he carried students to.
Bill spent many years sharing his time with his community through coaching youth football, youth baseball and girls softball. He spent a lifetime of volunteering for the Sylvan Hills Bears football program. He began in 1960 as part of the chain crew working the sidelines with lifelong best friends, the late Bill Magby and the late James “Tub” Kyzer.
After almost two decades of sideline fun he was invited, by Mr. Bill Brown, the long-time stadium announcer, to run the scoreboard. He enjoyed “running the clock” for 40-plus years with the very special Mr. Bob Moore, sitting next to him running the play clock for many years. He was always happy to share the fact that he had missed only three and a half Sylvan Hills High School (SHHS) football games in 60 years. He didn’t miss many SHHS baseball games since the program began in 1971. He provided bubble gum for the players at the games for most of those years. He also provided soft drinks for the cheerleaders at away football and basketball games.
Bill was very well-known, and loved, by so many athletes, students, teachers, coaches, parents, sports fans, and members of the community, early on he became known most affectionately as “Mr. B.” His many years of dedication to Sylvan Hills brought about the honor of having the football stadium named after him. Thanks to Coach Denny Tipton and the group who helped make that possible. Being the humble man he was and while feeling immense gratitude, Bill never quite grasped just how much he was appreciated.
Bill was a big Arkansas Razorback and Dallas Cowboys fan. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and water skiing in his more active years. Most of all, he enjoyed decades of golf with friends Tub Kyzer, and Bill Magby, as well as a huge number of other friends and several acquaintances. Our thanks to the Brown family and everyone at Pine Valley Golf Course for making Bill feel like part of the family.
The family would like to thank Dr. Jock Cobb, Melissa and the staff and Dr. Mark St. Pierre, Sam and the staff for the attention and compassion shown while Bill was in their care. They would also like to thank their own family members and friends who have offered to help during this most difficult time. Thanks to the SHHS community and the coaching staff for letting “Mr. B” take part in what he enjoyed so much.
Services will be provided by Roller-Owens Funeral Home of North Little Rock. The service will be held at Sylvan Hills Community Church in Sherwood on Friday January 14, 2022. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. and the service will follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Arkansas Memorial Gardens located at 8507 Hwy 161, North Little Rock, Ark. Bro. Tim McMinn will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may go to the SHHS Bear Booster Club or a charity of choice in Bill’s name. An online guestbook is available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens