William Charles O'Donnell

Mr. O’Donnell was born July 16, 1938, in (Elizabeth, New Jersey) to Charles and Anna O’Donnell. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, William and Linda O’Donnell, brother-in-law and his wife, John and Carol Pilot, grandson Ryan O’Donnell, granddaughter Lynnea Irico and her husband Mark Irico, and his two great-grandchildren, Jayden and William Irico. William Irico, born this year, was named after him and his son in their honor. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie O’Donnell.

He was a graduate of Carteret High School and worked as a chemical plant dispatcher in New Jersey until he retired and moved to Arkansas with his wife to be near his son and grandchildren.

He enjoyed spending time with his family over everything else. His devotion to his late wife of 51 years was a testament of true love. He was a family man, lovingly called “Papa”, who took joy in being around his loved ones. He had a generous heart and always put his family’s happiness and well-being first. He was a skilled handyman and enjoyed passing down his knowledge to his family, from building a cabin, to an observatory, to a treehouse - he could do it all, and with pleasure. He had a creative mind and quick wit, always making people smile. He would always end his goodbyes with saying, “Have fun!”, which was a testament to his uplifting character.

A memorial service will be held 2 pm, December 5th at Forest Hills Memorial Park in a celebration of his life. His legacy will be treasured by all those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to the Arkansas Food Bank.