William Ernest McKee

William Ernest McKee, 83, of Alma, Arkansas, a United States Army Veteran, passed away Thursday, April 6, 2023 in Springfield.  Bill, as he was known by his family and friends, was born May 22, 1939 in Boonville to the late Ernie and Mamie (Torrance) McKee.

 
Bill had an amazing journey through life and was loved by all. After Bill graduated from Potosi High School in 1958, joined the United States Army and served in the 47th Medical Detachment in Illesheim, Germany.  Bill saved hundreds of lives and crew chiefed numerous helicopter ambulances during combats in both the Cold War and Vietnam. After the Army, Bill went back to school and received both his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Sul Ross University College in Alpine, Texas. After working at the University of Texas McDonald Observatory for many years, Bill moved to Fort Smith. This is when he met the love of his life, Bettye. Bill worked and kept both Westark College and Fort Smith Public Library campuses immaculate.

 
Bill loved his family and was extremely proud of them. He always had a smile on his face and attended every one of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s events from little league ball games to dance recitals. Bill stayed close with his army buddies throughout the years and was a member of the local American Legion chapter. He also had a passion for older cars and was a member of the Fort Smith Antique Automobile Club. Bill loved photography and had multiple pictures and stories published in magazines and newspapers.

 
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Carol Nosser; a brother-in-law, Abe Nosser; a step-daughter, Eileen Hill; and a son-in-law, Roderick Hill.  

 
He is survived by his wife, Bettye; three grandsons, Brandon, Kodi, and Dalton Hill; six great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and his feline buddy, Katman-Du.

 
Funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 12th at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel with interment following at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, Ark.  Brother Joe Silva officiated the service.

 
Pallbearers were Brandon, Kodi, Dalton, Madison, Kyleigh, Matthew, Keslyn, Ariana, and Kassitey Hill.

 
The family held visitation with friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 11th at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, Van Buren, Arkansas.

 
To place an online tribute, go to www.edwardsvan-alma.com.