Wilman "Bill" L. Awbrey

Wilman “Bill” Awbrey, 94 of Van Buren, passed away Tuesday, February 13, 2018. He was born May 20, 1923 in Lead Hill, AR to the late Johny and Mary Awbrey. He was a WWII Army Air Corp Veteran. He attained the rank of Staff Sgt. and was with the 20th B29 Bomber Crew stationed in the South Pacific. He worked at two aircraft factories where the B25 Bombers and P51 Mustang fighters were built and helped build the first two flying wing bombers. He was the owner of Awbrey’s Jewelry Store in Ft. Smith for some 30 years and was a "jack of all trades". He also loved the outdoors. He was preceded in death by his wife Shiegko “Sue” Awbrey, and two sisters; Velma Rosaman and Freda Awbrey, and his brother Vern Awbrey.

Memorial graveside service will be scheduled at a later date at the Ft. Smith National Cemetery. Arrangements and Cremation are under the direction of Fentress Mortuary.

Bill is survived by his daughter; Joy Awbrey Schichtl of Conway, his son John Awbrey of Van Buren, two sisters; Thelma Gregoire and Oma Aver. Bill is also survived by his four grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, and nine great, great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to a Veteran’s Organization of one’s choice.