It has taken me almost a year to add my memory because I still can't believe I won't see you again.  I remember the first time we met.  Carol was helping me with an estate sale at my grandparent's house and you showed up in your corvette.  An instant friendship!  When I started staying with you and Carol when I was in town, you joked that I was wife #2 because I would nag at you just like Carol (and you knew we only did it out of love).

Steve and I remember the first Mountain Man Rendezvous we invited you to attend.  You took to it like a duck to water.  The black powder rifles, primitive bow & arrow, knife & tomahawk throwing - you loved it all.  You earned your camp name at that first rendezvous - "Blizzard" - because you kept building up our campfire since you were cold.  The rest of us were in shirts and you were bundled up in your wool capote (a long coat), wool hat, and gloves!!!  Another member came to our campsite, took one look at you and said, "You look like you are in a blizzard!"  When he found out you did not have a camp name, he gave you the name "Blizzard" at the naming ceremony that Saturday night.  When I told fellow rendezvous members of your passing, they didn't know who Bill Arrington was, but they sure knew who Blizzard was and said how you would be missed.  

You left a big hole in the heart in so  many people, especially mine and Steve's.

I am deeply saddened to share this type of memory because I would love to talk about "do you remember " in person with Bill.  Well I can tell you he was a hoot!! Always had a joke or two, we actually had some fun times back at Balcones Post Office. He had a kind ear and a wise reason about him.  I made a lot of friends at the P.O. , good folks, fine people like Bill...you cou could love and trust. Real, honest, true, kind. So many great things to admire. My sincerest condolences to all his family, friends and pets.   

Mr Bill was our neighbor for the last six years. He was so generous: always bringing over his favorite DVDs to share, baking his mom's chocolate pie for celebrations, and finding excuses to visit our cat. His name comes up often in our household, every memory a fond, happy, caring one.

He loved his family, his cats, taking cruises to Alaska, Dr. Pepper, and of course his Seahawks. 

A truly remarkable man with an amazing knowledge of many things. Always had a smile on his face; we never saw him anything but happy. Quick with a joke, a meme to show you on his phone, or a story to tell. I’ll never forget the one about his pet skunk Pepe!  Bill was a true character! The world would benefit vastly from more people like him.

We'll never forget the day he came to our house with the exciting news that he found his biological family. He was so happy and we are so glad that he and Carol were able to meet them. 

We feel very lucky to have known Mr. Bill. When we grow up, we hope to be as good a partner, parent, and friend as him.

Andrew, Cristina, Joey, Gabriel and his best friend Tiberius. ❤️ &🐾

The thing that always stood out for me about Bill was how incredibly caring he was. He was always trying to put me at ease and make me feel welcome. From the very first time I met him, I felt like I had known him for years because he made me feel so at ease in his presence. He also had a great sense of humor. He found it very funny that there was a formula one race car that had the same name ("Momo") as our little Corgi. The last time I saw Bill I knew that he was in a lot of pain, but that didn't stop him from doing everything he could to make me feel comfortable and welcome. He was a true ambassador of kindness and good feelings to everyone he met.


I have been Bill and Carol’s mail carrier for about 11 years and the one thing that I remember the most about Bill is when he found his “biological” brother and sister, Mike and Anita.  

We would often talk about genealogy and his adoption and try to resolve the problem of the “original” birth certificate and figure out who his “biological parents” were. 

I would kid him about being born under a rock but about the spring of 2019 and doing DNA, he DID find his “biological” brother and sister, Mike and Anita. 

He was so genuinely ecstatic and happy that when his “biological” sister Anita contacted him – he was truly euphoric.

In October of 2019, Bill and Carol went to Columbus to meet Mike and Anita and the large extended family. 

I had never seen him so happy. I think that he finally had a sense of belonging and now he will be missed, not by the people that knew him here, but by many more.


We had lost touch with Bill over the years but were able to see him again at Ashley's wedding. Bill was a character you just never forget. We were young couples at that time just starting our families. We spent a lot of time together. He always made us feel at home  and there was continual laughter. He could come up with the craziest things. I think it just came naturally  to him. Bill, your going to be missed but you have been surrounded by people who loved you with their whole heart. I wish love and peace to those who did. Love to you all.

Bill was my brother n law for about 8 yrs (I was married to his wife Joyce Arrington’s brother Big John) Bill always had us laughing and carrying on as the jokester that he was,never ever a dull moment and I shall always remember him in that light🙏🏼

Deepest condolences from
Dolores Williams and Ashly Janes 
Lisa Cordova and our family 

You know, I’ve known Bill since 1980ish? 
I have lots of stories. He was sooo quick witted because he was very smart.  It always amazed me how up to date he was on current events!  When he and Joyce were married, we took a trip to the Grand Canyon—my first time. He took along his video camera ( the kind you held on your shoulder!) and videoed my reaction. We had a blast on that trip. Bill loved his Dr Pepper & on that trip— Necco wafers! Ugh! So— Bill & I became very good friends.  And stayed friends. He was a great Dad to Stacey. Carol, I am so glad you two found each other— he talked to me about you and I knew you were going to be the one!! I will miss his wit & smile!! 

I know you're in heaven with your Seahawks Hat and Sweatshirt on telling someone a corny joke..You may be gone but never forgotten! 

Bill was the sweetest. Always taking pictures, always making jokes and always trying to make you smile. Always kind and gentle. Thank you for all of the lightness that you brought to our big, goofy family, Bill! We love you and miss you and will think of you often. ❤

Billy Ray was a true character!   As a jokester myself, I loved his quirky sense of humor.  Even his corny jokes!  LOL.  
He was a really good photographer and was generous with sharing his photos and making CD’s for you.  
He loved to fish and when he and Carol Ann came down to our creek house, he was always out on the pier trying to catch the “big one”!   His favorite joke was to say he needed to come see us and catch us some bait!    
He loved going fishing in the boat with Allen and he brought some crazy lure and actually caught a big flounder on it!    We never heard the end of it!  LOL
He loved to travel and I’m so glad he and Carol Ann got to go on their cruises.   
Billy Ray, or BR, as I always called him, was kind and sweet and funny, and the world needs more Billy Rays!!!
He will truly be missed.   


Bill and I were stationed on the same ship in San Diego.  I had not kept in touch but after 50 years he found me!  We got together here in Bremerton when he and Carol were heading out on a cruise.  It was such a pleasant time of sharing and getting reacquainted.   He was quite the tease and we will miss them passing through our area.  It was both a pleasure and an honor to have known him.

I met Bill thru Carol who was a client of mine. I went to Austin , Texas to visit Carol and met her wonderful, husband, Bill. At one of the visits, there was a flood in the area. Bill and Carol took me to that area to view it. We also toured Texas, Fredericksberg, etc and had a wonderful time together. Bill was humble, kind and caring. He loved his cat!! It is always hard for those left behind, but we all have the assurance that we will see him again in heaven. Celebrate his life with the memories. Miss you!

Celeste

Bill was a character for sure and quick witted , he was. He made really good pies,  loved his camera, covered most of our family gatherings, took amazing photos in Alaska and of his cats and would not stop trying to get a good photo of me, which is not possible. Only once did he almost accomplish doing so.  He took a picture of me, and when I told him I liked it, ok, but would like it a lot better if my gold crown didn't show when I smiled,  he did a Bill thing, and photo shopped the gold crown out and sent the pic to me again. That was Bill.  Who but Bill would name two cats after characters from NCIS? I will always miss him and remember how, even in the summer, he could be wearing a fleece jacket.  He was a sweet guy, Carolan! 

Carol

Bill holds a very dear place in my heart.   Not just as a client but the 2 of you as dear friends.  I feel very blessed to have been a part of  making his dreams of traveling to Alaska a reality.  I knew his and your passion for Alaska and am so grateful to have been a part of that.  I am sending you a very big hug and warmest thoughts.  Prayers of peace and understanding.
Lori Randig , AAA Travel          

Bill was one of a kind, never a dull moment
I had the privilege to meet him thru My 1st husband Big John (Bills Brother in Law thru his late wife Joyce (Joydee)Arrington we had many great shared moments thru holidays, births, birthdays etc. He shall forever be a gentle memory to us Dee,Ashly and Lisa and he shall be dearly missed Stacey.We do send ya our deepest condolences 🙏🏼

You were the best dad a girl could ask for.  I have so many memories that I could share I’m not sure how to pick just one. You are  missed so much. You took every situation and found humor in it,  and I’m so glad that your grandson got that from you.   I will miss our weekly texts especially this time of year during  football season. You were always giving me crap about the cowgirls… LOL.   I’m so glad that we got to go and watch our teams play together at Cowboys stadium. Even though your team won.  I hope you know how much I love you and I miss you. I think about you all the time. I love you dad💜

Stac - Bill was always so fun!  His love of life and patience with all of us was grand!  He loved you like his own, and he never made you question that!  I’m so glad you and I were both so lucky to have an amazing daddy AND dad!  Those of us who were lucky enough to have both, have to say goodbye 2x...  All the good memories and smiles my friend!!  Love you!  RK

OBITUARY

William Raymond Arrington Jr.

January 12, 1945 – October 17, 2020

Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery

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