In loving memory of William Norris “Bill” Hudspeth
Sunrise January 2, 1938 ~ Sunset August 21, 2024

William Norris “Bill” Hudspeth, age 86, of Heber Springs, Arkansas passed away on August 21, 2024. He was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi on January 2, 1938 to parents Henry and Velma Hudspeth.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force (1961-1965) where he met his wife of 62 fabulous years, Rachel Jane. Together, they had two children, William (Will) Norris II and Lorelei Mary, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

After Bill was honorably discharged from the Air Force, he graduated from Mississippi State University in 1965 with his Bachelor of Science, Forestry. He later received his Master’s in Science, Biology from MSU in 1967 and his PhD., Entomology in 1970 from the University of Georgia.

Much of his career, he taught Biology at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) and Northwest Community College (Senatobia, MS). When not in school, Bill could be found out on his organic blueberry farm, pruning his Christmas trees or tending to his honeybees.

Bill was a past Cleburne Co Gardeners Club President, an avid collegiate football fan (Georgia Bulldogs) and Atlanta Braves baseball. He was a passionate animal lover – rescues of all types – often carrying his dogs on all of his RV road trips. He and Jane were also American Red Cross Relief Volunteers.

A family-hosted memorial service will be held on September 7, 2024 at 10:00am at StoneBridge Assisted Living.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be sent to Heber Springs Humane Society or Arkansas Hospice.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com