Billy Bill H Mitchell

personality and sales representative. He also was a loving husband, father, brother and dedicated family man, who strove to be an amiable companion along life's way to all who knew him.

Bill passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 22, at his home in Little Rock,

surrounded by family members, after a long illness.

The last 25 years of Bill's professional career were spent at Television Station THV

(Channel 11), where he served as a weatherman, news reporter and local sales manager.

He previously worked at Television Station KATV (Channel 7) in several on-air

capacities, including assisting in developing and hosting a children's program, "Mr.

Specs." He continued to receive comments and compliments throughout his life on the fictional personality he created.

Bill's broadcast career began while he was in high school at Ft. Myers FL. The owner of a local radio station heard his distinctive voice and hired him as a weekend disc jockey.

The high school newspaper also had taken note of Bill's voice, saying his was "a terrific voice that definitely resembles the combination of Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby."

The voice continued to serve Bill well as he pursued a rewarding lifetime career in radio and television in numerous markets.

While at THV, Bill initiated a series of promotional messages in which military men and women stationed abroad sent holiday video greetings to friends and family at home in Arkansas.

Bill also was a military veteran, having served in the Army in locations in the U.S. and Europe.

It also was at THV that Bill met the love of his life. Mary Connell was the host of a local noon program, "Eye on Arkansas." Mary soon caught Bill's eye and on May15, 1966, she became Mrs. Bill Mitchell. The couple spent 49 happily married years together.

"Bill was a loving and generous man, even more than many people know," Mary said. "He always made time for family and friends and was always ready to assist in community projects that gave positively to those in need. He was always able to maintain a positive attitude even in the most trying of times. He saw the best and brought out the best in people."

Bill's sister, Glenda Truman of Hot Springs recalled, "Bill was the best brother a girl could ever have. He was 10 years older. He took care of me a lot and took me

everywhere. Bill had a lot of friends and they all knew that if they didn't play with me, they wouldn't be able to play with him."

Although Bill had enjoyed generally robust health for most of his adult life, he had

suffered problems as a child, Mary said. "At birth, Bill was considered stillborn and the medical team attended to his mother. A nurse heard a weak noise and realized the baby was alive. Special efforts prevailed and he led a long and happy life." "Bill also had rheumatic fever twice as a young child and his parents were told he would not live to be an adult," Mary said. "But he proved them wrong. He even won athletic awards in track, while his parents thought his only participation in sports was as a spectator. "

Bill's appreciation for sports later manifested in a passion for golf. He and a circle of friends played regularly at Rebsamen Golf Course. They also made carefully planned yearly golfing excursions, until Bill's health began to fail a few years ago. His prowess at golf earned Bill bragging rights to two holes in one.

Bill was born September 9, 1926 in West Frankfort, IL, to Ora Clark (Bill) Mitchell and Ilah Dell (Jackie) Mitchell.

Survivors in addition to his wife Mary, include his sister Glenda Truman, wife of Wayne Truman of Hot Springs; two daughters, Markilyn Mitchell Davis of Hot Springs and Michelle Mitchell of Sherwood; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren, and two nephews whom Bill regarded almost as sons, Derek Truman of Flower Mound, TX, and Gary Truman of Golden, CO.

Bill was preceded in death by two children, a daughter Kathy, who died shortly after birth, and a son Greg, who died at an early age of cancer.

Bill chose a private family graveside service.

"An account of Bill's life, especially in later years, would be incomplete without mention of our recently departed little West Highland Terrier, Zack," Mary said. "Bill loved Zack and treated him like a child."

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Arkansas Children's Hospital Children's House, 1 Children's Way, SLOT 512-24A, Little Rock AR 72202. Memorials also can be made to the Pulaski County Humane Society, 14600 Col. Glenn Rd., Little Rock, AR 72210.

The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. David Hicks, cardiologist, and nurse, Rachel- as well as Dr. Kevin Roberts, primary care physician, and nurse, Paula for their exceptional care for Bill through many years. Their compassion and thoughtfulness to Bill, Mary and the family will always be remembered and appreciated.

The family also extends deep appreciation and thanks to the staff at Hospice Home Care, who compassionately cared for Bill in his home the last weeks of his life.

Arrangements are by Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth.

To view Bill’s online tribute, please visit at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com