William Dennis Arbuckle

William “Bill” Dennis Arbuckle, age 80, passed away on Thursday, May 18th, 2023. Born in 1943 in Fresno, California to Thomas and Barbara Arbuckle. He was the third of four children. Bill attended many high schools in the Fresno/Clovis area, finally graduating from Fresno High School where he met the love of his life, Donna Savory. At 19 years old, he and Donna were married and went on to have sons Bill and Jim.

After graduation he began working at Rodman Chevrolet which later became Frontier Chevrolet. After 5 years as a car mechanic, he changed career paths and became a firefighter at North Central Fire Department and finished his career at the Fresno City Fire Department.

Although Bill enjoyed being a firefighter his real passions were racing, car restoration, and being an outdoorsman. His racing journey began in 1970 as a sand drag racer at the Pismo Beach dunes. This would lead to many race wins, a championship in 1975, and eventually the role of President of the National Sand Competition Association. His love of the sport would later influence his sons to become go-kart racers. He was a fierce competitor with a winning mentality. His ambition took his family across the United States where he and his sons would win four U.S. National Championships and compete in World Championships in Hong Kong and Italy.

Bill became a skilled craftsman for car restoration and was sought after for customization of old Willy’s Jeeps, 1930’s street rods, and other classic cars including a 1927 Rolls Royce, a 1957 T-Bird, and 1967 & 1968 Camaros.

As an outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, or day tripping to cut firewood. He made many friends that shared these same interests. Every year there was an annual hunting/fishing party which he initiated where all would meet to share trophy buck and fish stories. Bill’s trophy buck came in 1969 with a Boone & Crocket score of 192 which is proudly displayed in his shop.

Last, but not least, Bill loved his family. He enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren to drive his jeep, work on their cars, catch a first fish, camp, or ride to the Sierras to throw snowballs. He loved his family and did many things to provide a good home and life.

To say that Bill positively influenced lives with his many passions is an understatement. He will be missed, but never forgotten at the track, in the garage, in the mountains, and at family gatherings.

Bill leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Donna Arbuckle; his three sisters, Jane Cornelison, Judith Glasser, and Jeri Lay; his son, William “Bill” Arbuckle, and wife, Kelli; his son, James “Jim” Arbuckle, and wife, Natalie; grandchildren, Garrett (wife Julie), Brenna, Ashley, and Alex Arbuckle; as well as his three great grandchildren, Levi, Logan, and Ellen Arbuckle.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Clovis Cemetery located at 305 N. Villa Avenue, in Clovis, California.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Bill’s name can be made to your charity of choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Arbuckle family.