William "Bill" Meredith Files

William “Bill” Meredith Files, affectionately known as “The Colonel” passed away on July 6, 2015, in Peachtree Hospice in Fort Smith, AR. He was born at home in Lick Creek, AR, on March 19th, 1922. He was preceded in death by his wife Doris June Files, his parents William Thomas and Effie Mae Files, his brother Thomas Dale Files, and his sister Helen Elizabeth Paige.

Bill Files was dedicated to God, family, and country. He sought God’s will and direction throughout his life in service as deacon, interim administrator, Sunday School teacher and director, committee member, bus driver and mentor to numerous people, young Christians and couples. As a Christian father and living example, he led his family in developing Christian morals and values. He taught his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that the Lord is our strength and salvation ; our hope lies in Him; “with God all things are possible (Matt 19:26).”

Ret. Lt. Col. William M. Files courageously and sacrificially served his country for more than thirty-five years. He was the oldest retired member and was the last charter member of the 188th. Colonel Files served in the Navy, Army and then joined the Air National Guard 184th, which was later changed to the 188th. He joined as a Master Sergeant and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served as Chief of Supply and Comptroller in the Finance Branch. Most of his fellow guardsmen found him to be moral, fair, honorable, and trustworthy.

Bill is survived by three daughters and their husbands: Sherry and Joe Riggins of Fort Smith, AR; Judy and Tom Reding of Fort Smith, AR; Glenda and Dean Pratt of Muldrow, OK. He is also survived by a sister-in-law Lyla Jean Files and brother-in-law Charles Walker. He is survived by his grandchildren: Karen and Sean Rollans of Fort Smith, AR; Brad and Julie Riggins of Edmond, OK; Greg and Jordan Pratt of Roland, OK; Rich Pratt of Muldrow, OK; Dena Pratt of Sallisaw, Ok; Tim and Amanda Reding of Barling, AR; Brian and Alicson Reding of Cedarville, AR. Great Grandchildren are Evan and Will Rollans, Olson, Bennett and Emmory Riggins; Anna, Parker and Kendon Pratt; Paiton, Maddie, Bailey, Briana, and Brison Reding.

Pallbearers: Air National Guard 188th; Color Guard.

Honorary Pallbearers: James Goddard, Dr. Zubin Balsara, Mark Kesner, Bill Mason, Wayne Treadway, Wimp Kesner, Elmo Mathews, Earl Reed, Don Dotson, Harold Beaver, Dick James, Gary Lee, Coleman Byrd, Members of the 188th National Guard.

Services will be held Friday, July 10th, 2015, at 11:30am at Grand Ave. Baptist Church with interment to follow at the Fort Smith National Cemetery. Officiating minister is Jim Files, nephew of the deceased. Visitation is Thursday, July 9, 2015, at 6:00pm- 7:30pm at Grand Ave. Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project and the Music Ministry of Grand Ave. Baptist Church, 3900 Grand Ave., Fort Smith, AR. 72904.