William "Bill" Crain, 71, passed away peacefully Friday, Aug. 15, at home in Conway, Arkansas, after a 15-year battle with ALS. Bill was born on Jan. 4, 1954, to the late Kenneth and Vilma Crain. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Mary Crain; two children, Leslie Crain (Damian Sandholm) and Stephen Crain (Megan Crain); sister, Kathy Tumlison; and brother, Jim Crain.
Bill was raised in Crossett, Arkansas, and graduated from Crossett High School as class president and Eagle Scout. He graduated from Hendrix College in 1976. He cherished life-long bonds with friends from his time at both Crossett High and Hendrix, along with his love of music and the outdoors.
He settled in Conway, Arkansas, and established his business, Crain Enterprises, which provided geothermal HVAC services across Arkansas. Over the years, Bill made many connections around the state and was beloved by everyone he encountered, from contractors and clients to supply shop buddies and colleagues. Bill is remembered today for his devotion to his family, his good nature and his love of storytelling.
The family is planning a private celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be sent to the Buffalo River Foundation (donation link: www.buffaloriverfoundation.org/donate to include a message, email [email protected]) in memory of Bill Crain.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by TheCabin.net.
3 Entries
Deborah Brett
August 20, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Don and I praying for you.
Rosalie Revis
August 20, 2025
Mary, I send my condolences for your great loss. Paul thought very highly of Bill professionally and as a friend.
Gary Speed
August 20, 2025
Bill and I lived together four years at Hendrix and after he graduated. We both were Eagle Scouts and did a lot of camping and canoeing together. Those were great times in our lives. My sympathy and hugs go out to Mary, Leslie, Stephen and the rest of the family. Bill was a great friend!
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more