William O. (Bill) Mcmahan

William O. (Bill) Mcmahan, age 84, of Benton, beloved husband, dad, papaw, brother and friend left his poor, sick body for his heavenly home on April 7.

Bill was born in El Dorado, on Jan. 17, 1938, to Oliver and Lucille Owens Mcmahan.

He was retired from AP & L- Entergy after 37 years of service. Bill retired as a serviceman at Sheridan. He was a 50-year member of Lonoke Masonic Lodge 51 and also served in the National Guard for 12 years.

Bill graduated from Benton High School in 1957 where he was an outstanding football player, an all-district and three-year letterman for the Benton Panthers. He was always friendly, full of fun, and was voted wittiest in the “Who’s Who of Benton High School.”

High school sweethearts, Bill and Fairy Justice were married in 1957. They then moved to Lonoke and raised two children. They enjoyed a busy life with lots of camping trips and always a great summer vacation.

Later they moved to Sheridan and realized their dream of a mini-farm, complete with the horses they had always wanted. They were very active in the Sheridan Riding Club. They were blessed with four grandchildren who kept them busy with their many activities. At family gatherings, Bill always had stories ready to tell- many of his childhood.

After retiring, Bill and Fairy moved back to Benton. They were blessed with two great-grandchildren. Bill enjoyed going to Mcdonalds (before COVID) just about every morning for round table talks. He always had a tale to tell. Bill also had a poker group that played once a week. The couple became interested in old cars and were active in the Dixie Car Club. Before Bill’s declining health, they attended Sharon Missionary Baptist Church.

Above all, Bill loved his family so much and was always there to offer his help. He was a good, honest man and a good provider. Bill never met a stranger, and his funny and entertaining stories will be forever missed by family and friends.

Survivors are his loving wife Fairy, of 64 years; son, Bill Jr., of Avilla; daughter, Leslie (John) Harrington, of Sheridan; granddaughters, Amanda Mcmahan, Benton, Amber (Mikey) Forbush, Sheridan, Alison (David) Nguyen and their son, Rowan (great-grandson), Bella Vista; grandson, Justin Mcmahan, Avilla and hi,s daughter Mckenzie Mcmahan (great-granddaughter), Hot Springs; many nieces, nephews, and his little dog, Zoyie.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 10, at Ashby Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, April

11, at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Rosemont Cemetery.

Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.