Bill Reed

(From Nelson's Funeral Service)

Born to James Doyle (Doyle) and Mary (Pauline) Reed on May 13th, 1943, in McAlester, Oklahoma, William Doyle Reed (Bill) Reed was welcomed into his heavenly eternal home on May 2nd, 2024.

Bill attended Hartshorne Schools and graduated in 1961 with honors. After graduation, he attended the University of Oklahoma where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He furthered his education at the University of Michigan, graduating with a Master of Science degree in engineering.

When he was 29 years old, he was called into ministry. He attended the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas where he obtained a Master of Divinity and later a Master of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan.

Bill had a staunch engineering career. He moved all around the nation, from coast to coast working as an engineer for high end companies and ministering God’s word, but it was not until he became Vice President of Farradyne Motors in New York that he garnered the most satisfaction in his engineering career. He designed, developed, manufactured, and tested a submersible pump motor for Farradyne.

He met the love of his life, Shirley Ann, and they were married on October 23rd, 1999, and made their home in Poteau, Oklahoma. Five years later they moved to Canandaigua, New York, before moving to Eureka Springs in 2010 where they built a beautiful home on 149 acres with unparalleled views of the Ozark Mountains.

Bill loved and valued people and built personal and professional relationships in practically every circumstance. His relationship with God was of great importance to him, and he demonstrated faith and commitment in ways and in circumstances that were evident to those who knew him. Bill served God as a Pastor of many churches in Oklahoma. Through his teachings, he aspired to deepen the congregations understanding of God’s word by fostering spiritual maturity and transformation.







His passion for the outdoors provided lifelong energy and inspiration. Sedona, Arizona and Estes Park, Colorado were two of his most favorite places he loved to travel to with Shirley. Whether it was riding his Harley or mountain biking, rock climbing or sitting on their front porch looking out across the pond, they made the most of their time together. Those interests were driven by the opportunity they provided to spend time with family and friends.

He was a hard worker. At 80 years of age, before he received the report on the return of the cancer, he was still working and was asked when he was going to retire, of which he replied, “when I die”, which proved to be incorrect as his weakened condition prohibited him from working.

His canine companions were dear to him. Mitzi has stayed behind with Shirley, but Rascal and Alicia are once again with him taking long walks.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of more than 24 years, Shirley Ann Reed of the home; sister Joyce Ranallo of Muskogee, Oklahoma; children Laurel Darnell Reed of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Christa Dyonne Bonebrake of Jane, Missouri, Melynda Dawn Norriss of Bentonville, Arkansas, and Jonathan William Reed and wife Tiffany of Siloam Springs, Arkansas; two stepdaughters Bridget Renee Bennett of Berryville, Arkansas and Brandy Lynn Armstrong of New York; six grandchildren, five great grandchildren, two nieces, several cousins and many friends. He was predeceased and has joyously reunited with his parents Doyle and Pauline Reed and beloved granddaughter Jessica Janae Reed and many other family members that he loves so dearly.

He loved the Lord Jesus, his wife Shirley, family, and many friends. He was active in Valley View Baptist Church in Eureka Springs, Arkansas where he taught senior adults and served on several committees for more than 14 years.

Bill will be remembered as a man who had a zest for life and lived it fully. He fought the hard fight, battling cancer. His legacy of loyalty, love and devotion will live on through his family.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, North Carolina, 28607 or the CARTI Cancer Foundation, PO Box 55011, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72215.

On Monday May 6th, 2024, there will be visitation for the family from 4-5 p.m. and for the public from 5-7 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home in Eureka Springs. A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be Tuesday May 7th, 10 a.m. with Pastor David Kline officiating at Valley View Baptist Church in Eureka Springs. An interment will follow at 4 p.m. at Elmwood Cemetery in Hartshorne, Oklahoma. Arrangements under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to nelsonfuneral.com. © Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. 2024.