1953-2024
William “Wild Bill” Harold Penix, 70 of Star City, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024. Bill was born December 2, 1953 in Little Rock, Arkansas at the old St. Vincent’s Hospital to the late William Howard and Jacquelyn Gamble Penix.
He attended Westside High School where he graduated class of 1970. After graduating, he joined the United States Army where he served from 1971-1973 as a Paratrooper for the 173rd Airborne Squadron. After his stint with the military, he moved back to Little Rock and became a construction worker from 1973 to 1978. It was during this time when he met and married Doralena Denise Harville. They had two children; William Shane Harville and Jacklyn Denise Penix. Their union was dissolved in 1976. Bill then became a Cross Country Truck Driver for the next 40 years. In 1983, he met Laura Lee Powell and they had two children; Zachary Harold Powell and Laura Christina Penix. This union was also dissolved after a few years. Bill remained single for the rest of his life and devoted the rest of his time to reading, riding motorcycles, fishing, hunting, Masonry, and spending time with his friends. Bill was known in Star City as “that sweet old man.” He was a Christian man that attended First Free Will Baptist Church. He spent many hours reading the Bible and worshipping his Savior Jesus Christ. He was the kind of man that would give you the shirt off his back or spend his last dollar feeding you while he went hungry. He was truly a man’s man and a great friend to many people.
Bill was raised to a Master Mason in May of 2010. After becoming a Master Mason, he devoted his spare time to help form a Masonic Motorcycle Riding Organization where he was instrumental in establishing the Charter Chapter of the Free Born Widow’s Sons Masonic Motorcycle Organization in August of 2011. He served as the President for this Chapter for 3 years. He served as the Master of Branchville Lodge #256 for two terms.
A special thanks goes to Mary Ann Williams and her husband, Joe, for being there for Bill during his final days as well as a lifetime of friendship. Mary, you truly are an Angel sent to be with Bill during his final days making his life a little less painful, and for being a great friend and nurse to him.
Besides his parents, Bill is proceeded in death by his two brothers, Ronald Lee Penix and Jimmy Carter.
Bill is survived by his sons, William Shane Harville and Zachary Harold Powell; daughters, Jacklyn Denise Penix and Laura Christina Penix; sister-in-law, Penny Penix; a host of grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation for William H. Penix will be from 10:00- 11:00AM Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Griffin Funeral Service located in Star City. The funeral service will be led by Bro. Tim Forman starting at 11:00AM Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the funeral home. There will be a Masonic Graveside service at Holly Springs Cemetery led by Bro. Jim Hudson of Hamburg, AR with help from Branchville Lodge #256, numerous other lodge members, and the Free Born Chapter of the Widow’s Sons.
Bill will be laid to rest at Holly Springs Cemetery beside his brother, Ronnie Penix. Pallbearers are Joe Williams, Don Wesson, Steve Kelly, Bradley King, Tim Hawkins, and Justin Hawkins. Honorary pallbearers are Mike Young, Ronnie Bates, and Raymond Martin.
In lieu of flowers, you can make your contributions to Happy Hounds Boarding by contacting Shelly Garrison; 28550 Highway 425 South Star City, AR 71667 or call 870-370-2004.
