Bill Coles was born on December 18, 1936, and passed away peacefully at his home on March 18, 2025, at the age of 88. He was preceded in death by his parents, Preston and Mirl Coles, and his wife of 65 years, Betty Young Coles.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Marie Phillips; his grandson, Brian Phillips, and Brian’s wife, Regiane; as well as two great-grandsons, Riley Phillips and Murilo Costa; a sister-in-law, Kathy Varnell; and many other loving family members.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, Bill loved watching the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Southside Southerners. He also found joy in the outdoors, hunting and fishing. After retirement, Bill and Betty traveled extensively, creating many treasured memories together.
Bill had a strong work ethic throughout his life. He held various jobs over the years, beginning at Arkansas Poultry for 27 years where he worked as a shipping clerk and later as plant superintendent. He started a second career with Ideal Bakery as a route man for 12 years and later served as a licensed funeral director at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home for 20 years. Bill officially retired at the remarkable age of 82.
A man of faith, Bill was a longtime member of Southside Church of Christ.
The family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Bill’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Caring Hands Hospice for the compassionate care they provided during Bill’s final days.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville, Arkansas under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home with Randy Harris officiating.
