Billy Ray Bean

Billy Ray Bean, age 92 of Nashville, Arkansas, passed away on Monday, June 30, 2025 in Texarkana, Texas. He was born on June 21, 1933 in Bakersfield, California to the late Vernon L. Bean and Katherine Garsee Bean.

Mr. Bean was a remarkable individual and a man of many talents. He began his aviation career with the United States Air Force. It was during this time that he married his wife, Louise, on February 12, 1955. After leaving the military, he we went on to become a commercial pilot for the following forty years with United Airlines. Following his retirement, he continued to fly his personal airplane, even until the age of 90. An accomplishment he was most proud of was being awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award to commemorate safe flight operations for over 50 years.

Bill was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Ashdown. He taught classes and played guitar for worship. He also served as treasurer for numerous years. He was deeply rooted in his faith and was an avid Bible student. Conversations with Bill often involved discussion of his faith in God and what He had done for him.

Although spending most of their lives in Eatonville, Washington, nearing his retirement Bill and Louise moved to be close to her family in Nashville. Here, they acquired and managed her family’s cattle operation, the Four Sisters Ranch. He served on the Board of Directors for the Howard County Fair and Livestock Association for well over thirty years. He wore many hats in this position including, but not limited to, treasurer, renting out facilities and general handyman. Bill was also involved with the Howard County Search and Rescue and enjoyed beekeeping. After his wife’s passing, Bill fell in love with Juanita Sledge and shared many cherished memories with her. He enjoyed spending time with all of his family and friends. He also loved to hunt elk in Oregon with his dear friend, Wade Thuline.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of fifty-two years, Charlotte Louise Whitten Bean, a grandson, Josiah Robinson Bean, and a brother, Richard Bean.

Those left to cherish his memory include his four sons and daughters-in-law: Billy Bean and Jmichele, Walt Bean and Donna, Lynn Bean and Donna and Keith Bean and Katie; his significant other, Juanita Sledge; a daughter, Chasity May; a brother and sister-in-law, Bob Bean and Alice; his sister, Arlene Bean; nine grandchildren, a number of great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at the Maranatha Baptist Church in Nashville.

A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Maranatha Baptist Church with Bro. Donnie Westbrook, and Walter Bean, USAF Col (Ret) officiating. Interment will follow in Bluff Springs Cemetery near Mineral Springs, under the direction of Latimer Funeral Home of Nashville.

You may send an online sympathy message at www.latimerfuneralhome.com