WILLIAM RANDEL MCKILLION SR. was born on Sunday, May 15, 1949, to the late Mr. Henry McKillion Sr. and Mrs. Mary McKillion of Emmet, AR. William was the 5th child of nine siblings. He accepted Christ into his life at a young age, joining Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.
After graduating from Emmet High School in 1968, William went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, after completing basic training in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.
On July 26, 1979, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Hill. Together, they shared 46 years of beautiful marital bliss while raising their four children: James C Jackson Jr., William R. McKillion Jr., Phelencia Wheaton, and Justin R McKillion. William Sr. loved music, cooking, outdoor activities, especially his garden and carpentry. But most of all, he loved being around his family, no matter the circumstances. He was the patriarch of the family and a pillar in his community.
Affectionately known as Yank, William was a loving, God-fearing gentleman who never met a stranger. He would give the shirt off his back and the food off his plate. He was always there to lend a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and a supporting presence – a true gentleman and scholar.
At the regal age of 74, on Wednesday, August 9th, 2023 William transitioned to be with our Lord and Savior at John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Marilyn McKillion; his son, Justin McKillion; and his grandson, Vontriele Jackson. William was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend who we all loved dearly. He will be greatly missed and will remain in our hearts forever.
He was preceded in death by his father, Henry McKillion Sr.; his mother, Mary McKillion; and his brothers, Henry (Hank) McKillion Jr., James (Pomp) McKillion, and Lawerence (Lank) McKillion.
William leaves the following loved ones to cherish his most loving memories: his wife, Mrs. Marilyn McKillion of Hope, AR; his four children, James C Jackson Jr. (Chary Key) of Hope, William McKillion Jr. of Prescott, AR, Phelencia Wheaton of San Antonio, TX, and Justin McKillion of Hope, AR; his three brothers, William E. McKillion of Milwaukee, WI, Sedric McKillion and Mark McKillion, both of Prescott, AR; his four sisters, Juanita Henderson of Prescott, AR, Mary Strand of Tacoma, Washington, Pearl Jaggers of Jacksonville, AR, and Violet Welch of Emmet, AR; five special sisters-in-law: Sylvia Steward of Zion, IL, Alma McKillion of Fulton, AR, Rose McKillion of Hope, AR, Cynthia Pace of Hope, AR, and Gwendolyn Horton of Hope, AR; special son, Chris Thornton of Hope, AR; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
+SERVICES+
*Visitation Service - Tuesday, August 15, 2023 @ 1-3 pm CST
@ M&H Memorial Chapel - 411 S Walnut St., Hope, AR
*Homegoing Service - Wednesday, August 16, 2023 @ 10 am
@ Greater St. Paul Baptist Church - 606 S Vine St, Emmet, AR
Rev. Roderick Trotter, Eulogist | Rev. John Fort, Officiant
*Burial - Snell Cemetery | Emmet, AR
Honored Service Provider:
McFadden & Hitchye Funeral Enterprises
www.mandhfuneral.com
30+ years of experience
870 777 4841