William Earl Chambliss I

William Earl Chambliss I, passed away at the age of 83 at his home in Bearden, AR on October 25, 2025. He joined his wife of over 50 years, Frances Boone Chambliss and his beloved first granddaughter, Brooke Barner, in heaven.

William was the first son, known by Boy, of Drill and Lessie Chambliss and the last of the nine Chambliss siblings. William was a provider for his family. He worked for the Bag Pack in Camden until it shut down in the late 90s, where he then took over the courier route for Anthony Timberlands, Inc. Although semi-retired he continued to run this route twice a week and filled in when needed. William was known as the gravel man throughout town. For many years he delivered countless loads of gravel and offered a backhoe service.

William was more than just a provider for his family. His love for old hot rods was in a category all its own. William had a keen eye for any piece of rust and could eventually turn it over to a masterpiece. He loved to attend various car shows throughout his years and made a lot of “hot rod buddies” that were his friends.

William always seemed to have a smile on his face and a corny joke up his sleeve, that would usually make his children shake their heads. He would always say, “Look, I love to make people laugh and if I can’t, well that makes me sad.” He never failed to tell anyone how proud he was of his kids, grandkids, and great grandchild, and his wife. He would let you know he had lived a good life and if he left today, to know that I’m okay.

Although, he wasn’t much of a church man, he did have a relationship with Jesus. His kids made sure that he knew a Saving Savior that lived in his heart and covered his sins. One day he was heading for his knee surgery, he was asked. Dad, do you really know Jesus? Have you asked him in your heart and to forgive you of your sins, he said yes. I would never have been able to survive the loss of Brooke or your mom without Him, and I can’t wait to see them one day. The car might have swerved to the shoulder of the road where he exclaimed, I’m not ready to meet him today!

William is survived by his four children, Lynn Walsh (Bubba) of Holly Springs, AR, Kelli Barner (Gary) of Bearden, AR, India Weatherly (Chad) of Fordyce, AR, and William “Bud” Chambliss II, (Taylor) of Bearden, AR. Along with his grandchildren, Michael Barner of Bearden, AR, Kenli Barner of Sherwood, AR, Anna Weatherly and Collin Weatherly of Fordyce, AR and one great grandchild, Landon Barner of Bearden. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Rick Boone (Donna) of Lincoln, NE and one nephew, Dr. James William Chambliss, of Magnolia, that was his namesake and held a special place in his life. He is survived by many nieces and nephews throughout Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana, that called him “Unk.” William is also survived by his childhood best friend, Gary Cox and many close friends that he would often say “are just like my brothers”, Russell Davis, Ronnie “Hemi” Green, and Randy Nance all of Bearden.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, October 28th at Benton Funeral Home in Bearden from 6PM until 8PM. Graveside Services will be 10AM Wednesday, October 29th at Salem Cemetery in Bearden with Bro. Jimmy Owens officiating. Memorials can be made to the First Southern Baptist Church, PO Box 449, Bearden, AR 71720, Attention: Children and Youth Fund.

Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce/Bearden. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net .