William "Bill" E. McCord

William “Bill” Emerson McCord, 90, peacefully entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, July 8, 2022. He was born July 9, 1931, to William Edwin and Carrie (Rehling) McCord in Dayton, OH.

Bill graduated from Ball State University with a degree in music education. A Veteran of the United States Air Force, Bill dedicated his life to serving others and sharing the gospel of the Lord. During his lifetime, Bill was the President of Miami Dickerson Steel Company, a choir director for 38 years, a Real Estate Broker, an educator, and a vocalist in the Fort Smith Chorale for 24 years; but it was not until January 17, 2016, when he was saved that Bill started living. Bill quickly learned that when you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are committed to a life-long journey of studying and learning how to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and by giving up your life and living for Christ, you receive the greatest gifts of all; peace, joy, loving kindness, rest, and assurance of eternal life. A true Christian shows his faith by how he lives and Bill’s light will forever shine in those lives that were blessed to know him.

Bill will be remembered by his wife of 34 years, Dinah; children: Leslie Ann Lang, Rich and Leanne Hayes, and Liza and Bobby Brown; grandchildren: Katie, Jadyn, Camille, Laurelyn, Austyn and Noah. He was predeceased by his sister, Ellen Ann McCarthy; and his parents: William and Carrie McCord.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, July 14, 2022, at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 N 12th St., Ft. Smith, AR.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m., on Friday, July 15, 2022, at First Baptist Church, 1400 Grand Ave., Ft. Smith, AR. Interment will be 11 a.m. Monday, July 18, 2022, at Fort Smith National Cemetery, 522 Garland Ave., Ft. Smith, AR. All family and friends are welcome to join in the celebration of Bill’s life.

Pallbearers will be Leslie Ann and Katie Lang, Rich and Leanne Hayes, and Bobby and Liza Brown. Honorary Pallbearers are the “Meat Lovers” Sunday School Class.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions may be made in honor of Bill McCord to the Fort Smith Chorale, 1320 N B St., Fort Smith, AR 72901 or to First Baptist Church, Media Ministries, P.O. Box 609, Ft. Smith, AR 72902.