William E. (Bill) Bolding, 79

William Ellis (Bill) Bolding, 79, of Ava, began his earthly journey on June 26, 1932, in Alma, Ark., to parents C.P. and Dillia Moss Bolding. On Feb. 19, 2012, he began his eternal journey from his home in Ava.

Bill moved to Ava in 1962 to work as a meat cutter at Don Newton’s grocery store. Bill knew meats and how to prepare them; he was known for making unforgettably delicious hamburgers. He loved to serve people great tasting food whether cooking out at the creek, in a restaurant, or at any of the events where he catered barbeque. Everyone in Ava has probably tasted his chicken, steaks or hamburgers.

When anyone said the name, “Bill”, it was normal to say “Bill and Bonnie” because they really did belong together; they did everything together. Bill was very active in his church and always ready to testify of how great his God was. They spent hours tirelessly working, helping Ava people who were cancer patients through the Neighbor Helping Neighbor organization. They were devoted fans of the Thursday Night Music group in Ava, supporting it with their time and presence.

There seemed to be something missing in the Thursday night programs if they were not in their usual seats. Bill was a special man with a true servant’s heart, always ready to lend a hand to others.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Bill is survived by his wife, Bonnie; two daughters and their husbands, Pam and Joe Stanifer and Sandra and Rick Dietz; as well as six sons and their wives, Rusty Ingram, Doug and Marge Ingram, Doug and Dot Bolding, Phillip Bolding, Tom and Linda Bolding, and Darrell Bolding. He is also survived by 25 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Belle, Betty and “Toots”; and one brother, Darrell, as well as several nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by his church and a host of friends and relatives.

Graveside services will be conducted Thursday, Feb. 23, at 2 p.m., in the Ava City Cemetery. The body will lie in state at the Ava Family Funeral Home Chapel until noon Thursday. All arrangements are under the care and direction of Ava Family Funeral Home.

To send condolences visit www.facebook.com/AvaFamily FuneralHome.com.