William Benton Swan

William "Willie" "Bubby" Benton Swan, 74, of Paragould, passed away Monday afternoon at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould. He was born January 26, 1942 in Paragould. He was a welder in California then a welder at Darling Store fixtures where he made many friends and work family. He retired from Darling in 2006. He could play almost any musical instrument and could sing really good. He was a hunter, a fisherman, and played many card games. He loved to wrestle and arm wrestle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Edith Swan; two sisters, Ellen Swan and Florence Sparkman and a brother-in-law, Lewis Sparkman; step-daughter, Rhonda Valrew Ashley; and step-grand-daughter, Christian Ann Gilbert.

He is survived by his wife of over 51 years, E. Valrew Swan of the home; three daughters, Ruthie Samantha (Bill) Swan, Valinda Serena (Larry) Eason and Leslie Ann (Larry) Rebstock; two step-sons, Steve Allen (Kim) Gilbert and Keith Allon Gilbert; many grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great step-grandchildren; and four step great-great grandchildren.

His life will be celebrated during visitation Wednesday from 5-7 pm at Heath Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 2 pm Thursday at the funeral home with Rev. Kevin Edgar officiating. Burial will follow in Finch Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Kasey Gilbert, Kristopher Jones, Jason Jones, Rickey Daniels, Larry Gomer, and Brian Norvell. Honorary pallbearers will be Verlon Cole and Zach Vowell.