Bill F. Basinger, 59, of Russellville, died Monday, June 21, 2004 at his home. The son of Simon and Bessie Pellham Basinger, he was born September 18, 1944 in Cowell, Arkansas. He was a 1962 graduate of Deer High School. He was a United States Army Veteran of the Viet Nam Conflict. He received the Good Conduct Medal, sharpshooter designation, Viet Nam Service Medal with one bronze star, Overseas service ribbon, Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Bill worked as a food inspector with the USDA for 26 years, retiring in 2003. He was the founder of the River Valley Beagle Club and was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his companion, Sharon Modlin, Russellville, AR, 4 daughters & 4 sons-in-law, Tammie & Al Sotomayor, Russellville, AR, Theresa & Todd McCain, Clarksville, AR, TaWanna & Ralph Barefield, Russellville, AR, Tina & Brad Bryant, Dover, AR; 11 grandchildren, Allison & Alexa Sotomayor, Dustin, Chris & Logan Foster, Joseph & Brooklyn McCain, Samantha & Zachary Barefield, Brianna Basinger & Kristina Bryant, 5 Sisters & 2 brothers-in-law, Marie Peoples, Kansas City, MO, Ruby Roberts, Harrison, AR, Regena & Joe Hefley, Harrison, AR, Janice Neighbors, Kansas City, MO, Ellen "Sis" & Lunie Smith, Cowell, AR, 2 brothers & a sister-in-law, Jimmy & Virginia Basinger, Lurton, AR, Bobby Basinger, Russellville, AR; several nieces & nephews.
Funeral will be at 10 am Thursday, June 24, 2004 at Humphrey Chapel. Mr. Mike Tennison will officiate. Burial will be at Cowell Cemetery at Cowell by Humphrey Funeral Service. Visitation will be 6-8:00 pm Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, 1310 West Main Street, Suite 200, Russellville, AR 72801 or the Arkansas Cancer Research Center, 4301 W. Markham St. #623, Little Rock, AR 72205.
