Biography: Billy V Wortham, 85, died peacefully in the arms of his loving wife and with his son on October 29, 2019 in North Little Rock, AR. Bill was born on May 22, 1934 in Manila, AR to JW “Son” and Maggie Mae Wortham.

A veteran of the Korean War, he loved his country, his family and his friends. He joined the Navy at the young age of 17- even though he couldn’t swim and faithfully served during the Korean War as the ship’s baker. He never lost his skills as evidenced by his famous pancake breakfasts where he cooked for the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camping Club, and church. He was a man of quiet faith and strong character serving on the vestry of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and serving people in any capacity needed.

He married the love of his life, Ruby Mae Pollock Wortham, on May 9, 1964. They had 55 years of love and adventure. During their retirement they enjoyed their time on the road in their RV with the Wild Bunch and Whispering Pines Good Sam’s Camping Club. He adored “his Ruby” and made sure that she always had fresh flowers- even in the RV.

Bill was the personification of a man with integrity and a hard work ethic. He retired from Arkansas Best Freight after a 30-year career as a truck driver. During these years he made it a priority to coach his son’s baseball team and hike, camp and fly kites with the Boys Scouts where he was a Den and Cub Scout Leader and in the Brotherhood of the Order of the Arrow. Although his hunting ended with the birth of his little Fawn, he shared his love of the outdoors with his daughter’s Girl Scout troop and went on daddy/daughter campouts with Y-Indian Princess. He reveled in making all children laugh and smile especially as Santa and demonstrating his prowess on roller skates at Rink II.

In his later years, he enjoyed his Thursday’s at St. Luke’s Respite Care Center, his Sunday night family dinners, weekends with his daughter, and his cat “Precious” who was entrusted to him by his mother-in-law on her passing. He basked in the love of his daughter-in-law Ginger Wortham who cared for him until the end. The family appreciates the special care given by Wilma Thomas, caregiver.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, James, Jewell, Roy, Dub, Bud, Aron, Bobby, and Mary Sue as well as great-granddaughter Caitlin Elizabeth Wortham, and his mother-in-law, Helen Pollock, of whom he treated like gold and cared for until her death.

He is survived by his loving wife Ruby, one son Robert “Bobby” Jon Wortham (Ginger) who he affectionately called “Big Man” from the time he was a little boy growing in his dad’s heart and his special grand-daughter Amanda Wortham Arbogast (Sean).

He is also survived by his “Precious, Precious Baby,” Kimberly Fawn Wortham Sachleben (Joseph), his granddaughter Bethany Sachleben and three grandsons, Lance Corporal Dalton Sachleben, Wyatt Sachleben, and Baby “Jack.” He also leaves behind great-grandson, Hayden Lee Johnson.

Bill is also survived by his first child, daughter Becky Wortham Delaughter with whom he was fortunate to be reunited in his later years. He is also survived by twin grandsons, Ronald and Donald Seeberg, and great-grandchildren, James and Abigayle.

The Memorial Service will be at 11:00am at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, November 2nd. Following the service there will be the inurnment of the ashes in the columbarium. The Daughters of the King will be providing lunch for family and friends in the church’s Parish Hall immediately following. The service will be officiated by Deacon Richard with funeral arrangements provided by Ruebel Funeral Home.

Flowers are welcome or in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.