William M. "Bill" Conly Sr.

1938 - 2017

William M. "Bill" Conly, Sr

RINGGOLD, LA - Funeral services for Mr. William M. "Bill" Conly, Sr, 78, of Ringgold, LA will be held Monday, May 8, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. in Springhill Baptist Church, Ringgold, LA. Burial will follow in Springhill Cemetery, Ringgold, LA. Officiating will be Bro. Billy Pierce. Visitation will be Sunday, May 7, 2017 from 5:00 - 8:00 P.M. at Rockett Funeral Home, Ringgold, LA.

Bill was born November 29, 1938 in Ringgold, LA and passed away May 5, 2017 in Shreveport, LA. He was a graduate of Ringgold High School and LSU. Bill was a retired forester with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, serving as Bienville Parish Unit Forester until his retirement in 1993. He served on the Saline Soil and Water Conservation Board of Supervisors from 1987 - 2017, he was chairman from 1989 until his retirement. A member of the Conly family has served on this board from its beginning, including his dad, brother, sister-in-law and now his daughter.

He was at one-time a member of the board of directors for Bank of Ringgold, Bienville Parish Ward 4 & 5 Fire Protection District, BREMCO, Riverdale Academy and Farm Bureau. Bill was also a member of the Ringgold Slabtown Festival for many years where he coordinated the music for the festival. Being very knowledgeable about his hometown and community, he was a vital part in the Slabtown Festival treasure hunt hiding and clues. At one time, Bill had a motor cross dirt bike track built on his land that held many races.

Bill's passion was his music. He wrote and performed music all over the United States and even in Iceland. He played in several venues as the opening act to many well-known bands. Bill was well known for his Irish Heritage which inspired his love of Irish music, as well as gospel, folk and bluegrass music. He was a member of the Shreveport Writers Club, Shreveport Song Writers Guild, and Southwest Celtic Music Association. Bill not only wrote songs, he had several poems and stories published. He was also in numerous plays including the "Smoke on the Mountain" series.

He was a lifelong member of Springhill Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir, and was on the Springhill Cemetery Committee. His ancestors were founding members of the church. Bill was a member of the NRA, Northwest Texas Turkey Federation, Wildlife Conservation, Scottish Society O of the Louisiana Hieland, and Mackey Lodge #122. Bill enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping and all the outdoors. He loved God and his family, especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was the family historian, loved storytelling and full of knowledge about his heritage and community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruel D. and Esther M. Conly; and brother, Kenneth R. Conly, Sr. and his wife, Pat Conly.

Left to cherish his memory include his wife of over fifty-seven years, Louise R. Conly of Ringgold, LA; daughter, Stacey Lee Conly of Ringgold, LA; sons Bill Conly and wife, Mandy of Covington, LA and David Conly and wife, Tina of Greenwood, LA; sister, Phyllis Martin and husband, David of Shreveport, LA; grandchildren, Tommy Harris and wife, Brandy, Stacey Leann Fontenot and husband, James, Robert Harris, James Conly Posey and wife, Tristan, Grayson Conly, Erin Conly, Nat Conly and Carly Conly; 15 great grandchildren, and many well-loved cousins, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.