William "Bill" Graham Lessor

William “Bill” Graham Lessor, 92, of Hamburg, died on May 18, 2023, at the Ashley County Medical Center in Crossett. “Mr. Bill,” as he was commonly known, was born in Crossett on June 7, 1930, to Graham Raymond and Annie Jo Gammel Lessor. His paternal grandparents, George and Hattie Graham Lessor, were one of the pioneer families of early Crossett, where his grandfather served as Mayor. After his father died of cancer in 1942, Bill and his mother moved to Hamburg to live with his maternal grandparents, Augustus Gammel and Mattie Smith Gammel, on their farm. Bill frequently spoke of the influence both sets of grandparents had on his early years. He was a lifelong resident of Ashley County, a 1948 graduate of Hamburg High School, and graduated from Arkansas A & M, with honors, in Economics. In 1955, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served for two years in Ansbach, Germany as a Corporal. After he served his country, Bill considered a career in teaching when he was offered a Ford Motor Scholarship, but instead chose employment with the Crossett Lumber Co, now Georgia-Pacific, where he worked for 32 years in the accounts payable department. Bill enjoyed attending many class reunions and working in his yard, where he took pride in his flowers. He also had a beautiful collection of glassware and birds. A particular enjoyment was his St. Louis Cardinals. Bill’s life was enriched in 1990 when the family of Dr. Walter “Bubba” Smith, his wife Diane, and children Meredith and Will moved in next door in the Hamburg First United Methodist Church parsonage. The Smiths adopted him as a member of their family, including him on their vacations and holidays and helping him with doctor’s visits. Mr. Bill also valued the friendship and help of Ken Byers, Tymon Allison, and next-door neighbor Emily West. He was a caring friend to many in Hamburg with his keen memory and vast knowledge of the area.

 He is survived by a first cousin, Marilyn Kays Markell of Hot Springs Village.

The family would like to recognize the care he received from Michiala Irons at Audrey’s Special Home and her staff, Tricia, Brandy, Melissa, and James.

A family led graveside service will be 11 a.m., Thursday, June 8, 2023 in the Hamburg Cemetery.