William Roscoe Holden

William R. Holden, age 93, of Bismarck, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026.

Bill was born in December 1933 and lived a life rooted in service, family, and the land he loved. He attended school in Snake Island and Humnoke, later graduating from Carlisle High School in 1951.

He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a diesel mechanic, carrying that strong work ethic into a lifelong career in agriculture. He was a dedicated rice and soybean farmer.

Throughout his life, Bill was deeply involved in his community. He was a member of Caney Baptist Church in Bismarck and contributed his time and leadership to many local organizations. He served on the Carlisle School Board and was both an agent and board member for Farmer’s Protective Insurance. He also worked with Farmer’s Cooperative and Bogard’s Grain and Seed, building lasting relationships throughout the farming community.

Bill found joy in the simple and meaningful rhythms of life. He was an avid gardener and took great pride in tending his bees, raising minnows, and growing muscadines and vegetables. He was also a breeder and owner of purebred English Shepherds. His connection to the land was not just his livelihood, but a reflection of who he was.

As a father, he was known for his never-ending patience. He instilled a belief for his daughters that if you worked hard and did your best, you could accomplish anything you set your mind to.

He was preceded in death by Marion Isbell and Marie Isbell.

He is survived by his daughters, Kim Holden, Amber Holden, and Jenni Shellhorn; his sister, Virginia Cloud; his significant other, Barbara Miller; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, quiet strength, and deep roots in family and community.

Bill will be remembered for his steady presence, his dedication to those he loved, and the life he built with his hands.