William Ira Files

William Ira Files, 93, of Fordyce went to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, July 24, 2011. He was born May 21, 1918 in Cleveland County, Arkansas to Christian parents, Nathaniel and Ida West Files. Ira enlisted in the Army in 1944 and after boot camp served in the 75th division WWII. The winters in Germany were brutal but he managed to survive the cold. Files fought in the Battle of the Belgian Bulge. Following the war, and a Honorable Discharge, he had a difficult time adjusting, and later began his career in law enforcement. He served as City Marshall of Fordyce before becoming a Trooper with the Arkansas State Police, on October 3, 1951. He served in Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Camden, Fordyce and Newport, and retired as Lieutenant with Troop F in Warren on October 1, 1972. He later served as Instructor with the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in East Camden. Governor Frank White later appointed Files as Director of Public Safety. He was also Chief of Police of the Fordyce Police Department. He was a Life Time Member of the American Legion and a 32nd degree Mason. He loved serving as a Gideon and speaking at local churches. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 70 years, Flossie and granddaughter, Melanie Ann Jones; two sisters, Thelma Gray, Elizabeth Word; two brothers, Watt and Jessie Files. Ira is survived by two sons, Johnnie R. and wife Patricia Files of Fordyce, Sherron T. (S.T.) and wife Dorothy Files of El Dorado; three grandchildren, Stephanie Files of Jacksonville, Nikki Rice of Fordyce, T.J. Files of Warren and ten great grandchildren. The family would like to express their appreciation to St. John's Place and Dallas County Medical Center for their tender love and care. The family will receive friends Monday, July 25, 2011 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. Funeral services will be 10:00 am Tuesday at Zion Baptist Church near Fordyce with Rev. Mike Files, Rev. Nick Flowers and Rev. Arlis East officiating. Burial will follow at Chambersville Cemetery. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.com .