Bill Joe Wilson

Bill Joe Wilson, 98, of Portland, died Monday, March 2, 2026, at his residence in Portland. Mr. Wilson was born September 16, 1927 in Ava, Arkansas, was a resident of Portland for over 85 years and a former resident of Plainview, Arkansas. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. Mr. Wilson worked as a Post Master and mail carrier for the United States Postal Service, having retired after 30 years. He was a member of the Portland United Methodist Church, the Portland Fire Department, Portland Deer Camp and served as past President of the Lions Club and the Portland Riding Club. Mr. Wilson was an avid reader, loved fishing and hunting, especially fox hunting with his dogs, gardening, riding horses and archaeology. He was a great story teller and everyone enjoyed hearing stories of his family, friends and the time he served his country. Above all his greatest joy was his family. He dearly loved his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Frances B. Hackett Wilson in 2018; a granddaughter, Amanda Maxwell; his parents, Tom and Mae Blair Wilson; four sisters, Virgie Hogue, Ruby Bennett, Pat Temples and Syble Christmas and three brothers, George Wilson, Noel Wilson and Hux Wilson.

He is survived by a son, Perry Wilson and his wife, Cecilia, of Plainview; a daughter, Angie Wilson Maxwell of Portland; two granddaughters, Candice Parkerson of Hot Springs and Anna Wilson of Little Rock; three great-granddaughters, McKenzie Parkerson of Hot Springs, Lana Miles of Jackson, Mississippi and Emma Lee Wilson of Hot Springs and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, March 5, 2026, in the Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Terrie Lynn Bunnell officiating. Burial will be in the Portland Cemetery.  Pallbearers are Clifton Barry, Joey White, Dave Hackett Jr., Greg Graham, Albert Vail, Billy Cockman and Leo Botsford. Honorary pallbearers are Gary Barry, Richard Sadler, George Ed Vestal and Benton Newcome. Memorials may be made to the Portland Cemetery Association, c/o Marcia Vestal, 100 HWY 160, Portland, AR 71663 or to the Portland United Methodist Church, PO Box 400, Portland, AR 71663. 

Visitation will be 1:30-2 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home chapel.