Bill F. Basinger

Daddy it will be 20 years since I last saw you and spoke to you. I miss you everyday. So much has happened in 20 years. Brianna will graduate college this year she will be an Occupational therapist. I know you would be so proud of her but you would say took you long enough. Haylee graduated high school this year. She is going to college to be a teacher. Kristina has a little boy he will be 3 this year. I understand now why you always thought your grandkids where the light in your eyes. Houston is my little monkey butt. I know that you are watching over all of us. I miss you so much and miss talking to you. I love you so much daddy.

Dad I miss you everyday. I can't believe that in a few days it will be 16 years since you passed away. I love you so much daddy.

It was 7yrs. ago today that I said to you that I was ready for you to go. They were the some of the last words I was able to say to your living body. The next day you were gone from us. It feels like just yesterday. Althougth we have gone on with lives, like you would have told us to, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you. We are having a family reunion soon, so I'm sure Grandma, Aunt Ruby, & you will all be upfront in our hearts that day.
Happy Fathers Day to the greatest man I had the privelage of calling my DAD!!!
Love & Miss you very much!

Hello Dad I miss you so much. This is the first time that I have wrote on your guest book. Know that I love you and think about you everyday. I can't believe that it has been 6 years. Brianna is still taking it hard. She can't listen to some songs on the radio without crying because she misses you so much. She loves you with all her heart. She sometimes talks about all the things that you and her did together. She doesn't talk about it much because it makes her sad. You would be so proud of her she is doing really good in school, softball, and basketball. Please tell Granny and Aunt Ruby that I love and miss them.
Today is your birthday. Happy Birthday Dad! I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU!

Today Dad, you would be 65 for it is your birthday. Logan and I took some flowers to your grave as you know. Sorry, they are fall colors instead of your favorite blue. We even went to the cafe in Deer to eat afterward. I should have called Aunt Sis & Uncle Jimmy but I don't think I would have been much company.
I'm sure you know that your oldest grandson is going to be married tomorrow. I'm sure that Grandma, Aunt Ruby, & especially you will be watching. It's starts @ 2:00 just in case you needed to know. I am proud of him even though I still think he is to young to get married. I'm sure you would be proud of him too. Peggy, his finance, is the same age as him & is good to him as far as I can tell so hopefully they will be ok. Well, I need to get ready for rehearsel so I better go. I LOVE YOU DAD & MISS YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!

Hi Billy, its me again, Wow, June 21st has rolled around again already and I am having my 65th birthday, I don't know were the time goes anymore it flies by so fast. You have been gone for three years already and Ruby for two years it just seems not that long ago that we were all playing together at Cowell.
Bobby is visiting with me right now for a few days, we went to some garage sales yesterday but didn't buy very much.
Debi is moving back in this area and Marie is happy about that. Marie and Debi are going to Arkansas on Monday and stay until Friday, Regena is having a fish fry for them on Tuesday.
All your brothers and sisters put a bench at the cemetery for you, Ruby, Mom and Dad, hope you guys are enjoying it, it is very pretty, Marie, Regena, Me and also Douglas paid for the bench and Bobby picked it up and brought it to the cemetery and Sis and Jimmy set it all up so it was a family project and I am looking forward to seeing it, me and Scott may take a trip to Arkansas pretty soon for a short visit then our reunion is supposed to be at Missy's the last of September.
Missy finally got her boy he is about seven months old now, I haven't seen him yet.
Tell Ruby and Mom and Day hello for me and far as I know everyone is doing fine.
Love your Sister Janice

Dad,
It has been awhile since I wrote. It's not because I have forgotten you, thats for sure. There are soo many things that I do that I swear I can feel your hand on my shoulder. Every time I see a flock of turkeys, I think of you. Todd and I seen a flock of them Christmas Day 2006, and I was flooded with tears. They were happy tears because I was remembering the look on your face when you were talking about hunting.
All the kids are getting soo big. Dustin is 16 now; Chris is 15; Joe,as he likes to be called now is 14; Brooklyn is 11; and "little" Logan is 9. They are all growing soo fast. I wish you were still here to watch them all graduate. I guess in a way you will be there, I know you wouldn't miss any part of your grandkids lives. None of them. I know and they know you are still watching all of us.
Well I better go for now.
Love, Theresa

Hey Billy,

I had a bittersweet time at the old house when I took Larry & Josh to see the beauty our family called home. Memories flooded me as I stood in the back of the house overlooking the hillsides. Our propane horse is gone, so are many of the out buildings, but that did not deter me from reliving the laughs we all shared there. You, Jimmy, & Sis made my time there so special - I was loved & cared for deeply. I am going to try to tell the grandkids some of our stories. They deserve to hear how playfull their parents were in their youth. Tell Ruby, Grandpa & Grandma hello for me.

talk again soon, Deb "Lassie" Horton

Hi im megan alexas friend!!

Hey Billy,

I think of you often especially as we near the time for another reunion. I will be putting together info on Grandpa for this one & you come to my mind often, especially in keeping the family going after grandpa's death. I miss your laugh, your sence of right & wrong, your hugs. I am encouraging the siblings to have stories ready to tell at the reunion, & I know you will be the subject of a few. If we listen carefully, I know we will be able to hear you laughing with us. I am going to take Larry & Josh to the house to see the fall leaves change. I can't wait to remember good times there. I'll meet you at the propane horse in October!!

Love, Niece Deb

Hi Billy

Miss you every day, love you always, your sister Marie.

Hi Billy, its me again, another year has come and gone, you left us two years ago today and Ruby left us a year ago on June 4th and I am sure she is keeping you company.

You have a new granddaughter Haylee Marie born on March 6th. Me, Regena and Sis went to see her around the end of March she is really cute and Tina is a proud mom again.

Tell Ruby, Mom and Dad hello for me, I am headed over to pick up Marie we are going to hit some garage sales today.

Sis has a new granddaughter also, Kendall, Shawn's baby, I haven't seen her yet she was born on Oct. 24 2005.

Love your sister Janice and all your brothers and sisters.

Dad --I miss you so much. It has been a difficult year. We go to the cemetary as often as I can to spend time with you. We went June 21 and put flowers on your grave. We took Brianna and Kristina with us.

I pray everyday that you guide me through the day. I felt so sorry when Aunt Ruby passed away. I'm sure she is talking your ear off. Aunt Regina wants to take the month of June off the calender. She said Aunt Janice has had enough birthdays.

Samantha and Zachary miss you so much. They remember the weeks they spent with you. They have a lot of memories of the weeks they spent with you. I can remember when you took the girls shopping in Branson and you said you would never do that again, because Samantha was too picky. The boys you took them to the Museum of Automobiles. Zachary loves the picture you took of them in front of the cars. I know there was more places you took them. This is so hard to type without crying. My prayers and memories will always be with you. We all love and miss you so much.

Love,

Ralph, TaWanna,

Samantha, and Zachary

Hi Billy

Well, today has been one year sense you left us it is also my birthday, It is hard to believe how old all of your brothers and sisters are getting.

We lost Ruby on June 4th and she is right beside you and I suppose she is talking your ear off, she said that you got her through the surgeries that she had to have but there was just to much for her to overcome but she sure gave it a good fight and just like you she did everything all the doctors ask her to do and never complained, except when one of the nurses would mention anything about she might have to go into a nursing home then she would really lose her cool but of course Michelle wasn't going to put into a nursing home anyway.

Tell Mom, Dad and Ruby Hello for me and I know all four of you are there together. Janice

Dad, Today is June 19th, Fathers Day. On the 21st you will have been gone from our lives for a year. Even though you are gone from this earth, you will always be in our hearts.

I went to your grave today to be with you on this Fathers Day, and I have realized that you are with me where ever I go. No matter where I am ,you are with me and you still love me just like I still love you.

We all miss you very much, but we know you are in a better place. I'm sure Aunt Ruby has found Granny and you by now in Heaven and you all are catching up on lost time. One of these days when Jesus says it is my turn to go, I hope to find all of you so we can catch up on old times and make new memories together in Heaven.

We love and miss you very much.



Love,

Theresa

It's spring, the red buds and the dogwoods are blooming. I imagine the turkeys are gobbling somewhere; I'm sure you know where they are, you have such a good view from heaven. I miss doing all the things we did together, hunting and fishing; and yes working outside together.

Jewells' filly is growing so much, she is 7 months old now and has such long legs, a very funny color though; changes quite a bit. I can't quite make myself call her Bessie, it just doesn't seem right. But she was born on your Moms' birthday and that is how she got her name.



I am thinking of breeding Jewell back again either this month or next. Sometimes I just need to put on paper what I am thinking; I'm sure you already know my thoughts.

Missing you, Sharon

The more things change; the more they stay the same.

Still missing you, I always will.

Missing you so much.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

I hope you enjoyed the balloons.



Love you & miss you,



Sharon

We waited a long time for this day, Jewel had her baby, a little filly! She's black with a little swirl of white on her forehead. She is all legs, so cute. I hope that I will be able to get her used to being around me and the grandkids. Jewel is so protective of her, maybe she will let me around her more when she realizes I'm not going to hurt her or take her away. Brianna and Kristina are going to love her, I just hope they will understand that she's a baby.



So watch over us and guide us, we really don't know what we are up against. Maybe with a little help from Jimmy we will be successful.



Missing you, love, Sharon

Two months ago today and it seems like an eternity. It's not getting any easier, I still miss you so much. Sometimes I wake up at night to check on you, but your not there. There's not a day goes by that I don't think of you and I'm sure I always will. After all we were together for a long time.



Missing you so very much, Sharon

Six weeks ago I lost the most important person in my life. We were always together, very seldom did you see Bill without seeing me.

We were best friends, we did everything together, we hunted, fished, ran dogs, worked side by side either around the house or at the rabbit pen. There is a great big hole in my life that I am having to learn to live with. It is very hard to do when you have loved someone for so long. I am so lonely without him here with me, I feel like I am lost.



I am really thankful for Bill's sisters, they have been good to me.

We try to check on each other at least once a week.



I am taking this one day at a time. That's the only way I can do it.

I have put my life in God's hands, he will guide my path over this huge mountain. Please keep me in your prayers.



Sharon

Nina L. Peoples and Family

Growing up in a large family we had our share of fusses and fights but we always loved and looked out for each other. I have a lot of stories and memories of my brother Billy.

Growing up we had fun times together that remain fond memories. He loved to fish and hunt and his fishing lead to our fish fries that I loved to go to and he would always send some fish home with me. I will miss him at our reunions.

When he got sick and died he left an empty spot in my heart. I will always love and miss my brother Billy. Rest in Peace.

Your sister Ruby

It will be four weeks tomorrow and it still seems like yesterday. It still hurts just as much now as it did that day. This house is so big and so empty. Everything reminds me of you-but I just can't change anything right now, maybe later. Every time I go to do something I think of you.



I worked up at the land this weekend. I kept thinking you would want me to do this or do that, things that needed to be done. I'm trying to do all the things you would be doing if you were still here. It's really hard sometimes. I should have listened closer to you when you were trying to show me how to things. Especially with hooking up stuff to the tractor. It takes me a while but I get it eventually.



I miss you so much sometimes I can hardly stand it.I cry myself to sleep almost every night. But I have a few good days, but not many. I stay busy whether I'm at home or at work.



When I think of all the great times we had shared together, sometimes I laugh and sometimes I cry. I cry because all I have is memories, but they are very good memories.



Know that I have always loved you and will continue to love you for the rest of my life.

Sharon

This morning I was looking at the Oak tree you planted for me many years ago, how tall and strong it stands and I was thinking that's the way you always were. I am so very proud to have called you my brother.

love always, your sister Marie

MY BROTHER

BILL



Bill lost the battle, but he fought a brave and courageous fight. He never gave up, he never wanted pity.

When he was talking to one of us about his condition, you would think he had nothing more than a bad cold, something that he would be over in a few days. His courage and faith was an inspiration. I can only hope that I can be as brave as my brother when I meet death face to face.

Bill was a good man, honest and kind, a man of his word. He lived by the same good morals and values that he was tought when he was growing up. He passed those same good morals and values on to his girls.

Bills time on earth is over, his race has been run, but through his family he will live on forever, we will keep his memory alive and he will never be forgotten.

We will forever miss him and we will always be proud of the man we called our brother, our father, our companion, and our friend.



Now we all must wonder, Yet its not for us to know why God would take our brother when he is still needed so much here below, prhaps he needed a soldier, some one as kind and gentle to set up on his throne.

Its not for us to question, its all a part of Gods plan , but let us all take comfort, for he could never be in better hands.





JIM BASINGER

Dad,

There is not a day that goes by that we do not think of you. We miss you so much. The kids are doing fine. Logan's baseball team finished last in the tourament but it was not for lack of trying. Logan told me during one of his games that his Papa was never going to miss another game because he was watching over him from Heaven. He was so proud that you were there watching his ballgame. They all miss you so much.

Your sisters have been calling all of us to make sure we are OK. They have been so supportive through all of this and I don't think we could have gotten through all this without them.

Dad, we love you very much and you have always been the rock we have leaned on for support. No matter what, you will still be the rock that I lean on.

We love you.

Love, Todd,Theresa,Dustin,Chris,Joseph, Brooklyn,and Logan

It was two weeks yesterday that we laid you to rest. I am glad we were able to put you so close to your Mom and Dad. It was a beautiful service and Jimmy's memorial came from the heart. This has been the hardest two weeks of my entire life. There is not an hour that goes by that I don't think of you and miss you like crazy. But I know that you are in a better place.



I changed the blades on the lawnmower last week, you would have been so proud. I know I didn't pick up the grass off the lawn, but I will try to do so the next time.



You always told me that I needed to learn how to drive the tractor, that I might have to do it sometime. Boy you were right.

I mowed up at the land this morning about four hours, and I still have more to do. I'll try to finish in the morning. I know I probably didn't do it like you would have, but I am trying. I am going to try to get that barn built, the one we talked about building. I hope I will be able to do this.



Jewel should have her colt sometime this month. She is getting bigger every day and is so lonely by herself she calls to me everytime I step out the back door. Allison and Alexa drew Dan's name, I guess you know that Sam and I drew Jewel's name, and Brianna and Kristina drew the the colt. I hope that everyone will be happy and we will be able to share the horses and the work that goes with them.



Jimmy and Virginia brought one of their horses down and let the kids ride him. They saddled up Dan and rode him too. Jimmy knows how much you wanted to teach the grandkids how to ride. The grandkids really liked "Pepper", but thought he was a little slow!



I spent the 4th with Mom, Becky, Susie, Heather and David at Mom's house. We ordered pizza out! We celebrated Heather and David's birthday. It wasn't the same without you being there.



I went back to work this week, it was really tough. Everybody is so concerned about me, they know how much I love and care for you. I have received cards from so many people, it's nice to know they are thinking of us.



Tammie, Todd and Dustin's birthday will be here before I know it. I don't know what to get them.



Got to go feed and water Jewel and the dogs. Until next time know that I love and miss you,

Sharon

I was so sorry to hear that Billy Floyd had died, but so thankful to know that he had become a Christian. He's in heaven now with Bessie and Simon, having a great reunion. My family and I had prayed for him for a long time, and also had put him on an e-mail prayer chain, but it was his time. I will miss him very much, as I know all of you will. I always loved all the Basinger family. You were wonderful neighbors, and like family to me. I always felt welcome at your home, and enjoyed visiting all of you. I have great memories of Billy and of you all. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Ruthie Davis Wornall. [email protected]

All of us on 7E at UAMS, who have grown to know and love you all, offer our heartfelt sympathy. Mr.Basinger will always be remembered in a very special way.

We prayed so often for Billy but the Lord wanted him home with him. We have lots of happy memories starting when he was seven or eight. We watched him grow into a young man and then to the army and then after he married we enjoyed the times with him and his family at all the holidays meals. Each Fall he brought us venison. We know he will be greatly missed.

Arbutus Barr and Letty Waite

I am so sorry for your lose. May God bless each and every one of you. Cindy Page (Inspector Dardanelle)

I remember granny saying Billy and the girls are coming i liked hearing that. I wasn't close to uncle Bill as a child he scared me a little who knows why. Bill changed so it seemed or i just grew up. He was kind to me and my girls. He hugged them and he hugged me whenever he saw us. He always called me hon and that made me smile. I will think of uncle Bill and of his girls as granny would say. I love you uncle Bill! Thank you for making it comfortable to have my girls around you.

My memories of Billy are warm. I can see him sitting in Church with brothers, sisters and Mom and Dad. I remember how he fit into his place with his sisters. How he was cared for by all. I can see his Dad sitting in his chair holding his son, his first son. His dad was so gentle and caring. I never remember his Dad showing anything but pleasure with his son. His Mother always showed the same love and concern. I was impressed and knew that each new baby was much loved. Billy always showed a gentle concern for all around him. I was so moved by Billy's tribute to his Mom there at the church, when we had the special Sunday honoring Bessie. He is now with his dear Mother and I look forward to talking again to both Billy and his Mom.

I will always Love you and miss you.

Your sister Ota Marie

A few days before Billy's death, Thelma called to tell me Billy had a relapse and wasn't expected to live. That started me to thinking back to my high school days when I'd go home with his older sister and spend the night. I visited in the home of Simon and Bessie Basinger many times as a guest of the older sisters. I remember that it was a happy home filled with lots of love. And it was a busy home. My grandmother raised me, so I grew up without siblings. So being with their big family helped me experience what life would be like in a family setting. I do remember it was a lot of fun for me, and I cherish those memories. I remind Billy's family that he was raised in a large loving family, and that was a blessing. And he lived to see his children grown -- and to enjoy the lives of 11 grandchildren. What a legacy!

I wave to you, milking cows in the barn, from my propane tank horse.



I laugh with you as we play in the haystacks, your mama's warnings of snakes fading from our conscience thought.



I adamantly demand that you saddle our horse, or any horse for that matter. I sit on it for hours on end - in the front yard - my punishment for your inconvenience, one you dutifully performed over and over again.



I hear, "Hurry and eat your oatmeal or you'll be late for school." as you prepare us for the day - you in your crisp white shirt and business tie. "What's for dinner?" we ask of each other in unison on our daily walk home each night.



I admire the handsome you in your fancy new green Army uniform. Loathing it later as it takes you away from the 10-year-old me - for oh so long.



I rejoice at your return, though not a return only to me, but a safe return to all of us.



I am proud of your service to our country - an unexpected detour of life, bravely performed and decorated, but never discussed - until now.



I understand, oh so well, your fight for survival and sanity in raising your children alone - sometimes tired, often afraid. The rewards not then seen, but stored in hopeful expectation - are evident now.



I smile at your playfulness with your grandkids. Finally, the worry of so many responsibilities are delegated to the back seat, and carefree Grandpa was driving the buggy on that day.



I crawl into your lap, for the last time, alarmed you would offer - I'm not 50 pounds anymore. Without hesitation, I snuggle and am conforted on a long night in October 1996.



I am uplifted by your acts of love and forgiveness after years of painful clashes and alienation without our matriarch. Healing has begun because of you alone!



Though you are no longer here, I still wave, laugh, admire, feel comforted, am uplifted.



Your first niece, Debi "Lassie" Peoples Horton

Billy Basinger was a member of the 1962 graduating class of Deer High School. He was actually more than a member -- he was memorable. Billy knew how to have fun -- inside, where it counts. His laugh was contagious. One could not be sad around Billy. He just had a way about him. He'd say something funny; he'd laugh, and instantly, everyone would start laughing and having fun. We'll sure miss him at our next class reunion. I don't know what we'll do for fun and entertainment, but I know for certain that we'll remember him fondly, and think kindly of him. Thelma Pruitt, Class of 1962, Deer High School, Deer, AR

Come To Me



God saw that you were getting tired

a cur was not to be,

So He put his arms around you,

and whispered,

"Come To Me"

With tearful eyes we watched

you and saw you fade away.

Although we loved you dearly,

we could not make you stay.

Many times we have thought of you,

many times we've cried,

If love alone could have saved you

you never would have died.

A golden heart stopped beating,

your tender hands at rest,

God took you home to prove to us

He only takes the best.

I'm proud Billy was a part of the Deer High School graduating class of 1962--a part of our student group. Billy was more than just a member of the class--he was memorable. He knew how to have fun--REAL fun on the inside where it counts. His attitude was fun and contagious. One couldn't be around Billy and be unhappy. He just had a way about him. He'd say something funny; he'd laugh, and before long, everyone would be laughing too. We'll all miss Billy at our next class reunion. I don't know what we'll do for fun and entertainment. I do know, however, that we'll remember Billy fondly.

Thelma (Shatswell) Pruitt, Deer High School Class of 1962

In your time of sadness, thoughts of heartfelt sympathy are with you. I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless.

HUGS,

sharon i havent seen you in years but i am so soory for you loss call me 667-9290 i think of you and susan often again im so sorry for your loss

Dad, We miss you very much. We think of you often and will remember all the good times we have shared. We love you!

Love,
Theresa

I'm missing you so much, there's so many things I never got to say to you. Everyday I think of things I want and need to tell you.

I smile when I think how you are probably running those beagles that passed on before you. They were waiting for you so have fun and relax.

I know that you are watching over me and that makes me happy. I will always love you, and we will be together again someday.

Hugs & Kisses
Sharon

Broken Chain



We knew little that morning that God

was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly,

in death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,

you did not go alone;

for part of us went with you,

the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories,

your love is still our guide;

and though we cannot see you,

you are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,

and nothing seems the same;

but as God calls us

one by one, The chain

will link again.





All of our love,

Sharon, Tammie & Al, Allison & Alexa; Theresa & Todd, Dustin, Chris, Logan, Joseph & Brooklyn; TaWanna & Ralph, Samantha & Zachary; Tina & Brad, Brianna & Kristina

You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

WILL MISS YOU UNCLE

Our prayers are with all of you.

I will miss you, but I have a lot of happy memories. I think we had a very happy childhood, eight kids and two loving parents we were blessed. Love you always your sister

Janice

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.