William "Bill" Hal Bequette, age 83, a resident of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away Saturday, September 26, 2020 at Butterfield Trail Village in Fayetteville, Ark. He was born October 29, 1936 in Lowell, Ark., the son of Hal Dewey and Lena Belle (Brown) Bequette.In 1952, at Farmington High School he met Ayleen Cammack, the love of his life, and she met her Hero! They were married May 17, 1956. After the wedding they started their life in California where they lived for a year before returning to Northwest Arkansas where all four children were born.
Bill was a resident of Farmington most of his life. He served the community in may roles. He was on the first City Planning Committee and as Director of the Farmington Cemetery Board for many years where he put in countless hours volunteering on behalf of the Cemetery, which was very important to him. He was a longtime elder of the Farmington Church of Christ. He was truly interested in people and their well-being, both physically and spiritually.
In 1958, Bill began a 41 year career with Standard Register Company in Fayetteville as a machine operator. He went on to serve as Plant Manager in Salisbury, Md., and Kirksville, M., as well as the Fayetteville Plant before retiring in 1999. Also, during this time, He and Ayleen worked together in their construction company, building many homes and structures throughout Northwest Arkansas as well as running a cattle operation on their farm. He was extremely proud of his family and you would find his grandchildren, from the time they were born, spending time at the farm throughout the year. It was also a gathering place Thanksgiving Week every year.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, W.L. and Bettie Brown and Aunt Marie Brown.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years V. Ayleen Bequette, one son and daughter-in-law B. Wayne Bequette and Pat Fahy of Albany, N. Y.; three daughters and two sons-in-law Kim Smith of Fayetteville, Ark., Pam and GW Walsh of Rogers, Ark., Jill and Doug Faires of Paris, Texas; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and his brother Gerry and his wife Joyce.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. There will be a private family interment at Farmington Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Farmington Cemetery Association P.O. Box 633 Farmington, Ark., 72730 or Farmington Church of Christ P.O. Box 358 Farmington, Ark., 72730.
