William James Orr

William (Bill) James Orr, Sr., 84, of Liberty, Missouri entered the gates of heaven to meet His Heavenly Father on May 16, 2026. He was born to Burl & Aurelia Orr on April 24, 1942 at home in Vandalia, Missouri. He married, Betty Lee Tyree on June 17, 1964 in KC, MO. Bill joined the US Army Nov 29, 1963 and he became a Drill Sergeant. He was honorably discharged on Nov 28, 1969. Bill was a manager and a district manager for both P.N. Hirsch and Walmart. He was highly respected and adored by his employees. Years after he retired, they still would tell him that he was the best boss they ever had and appreciated his encouragement and willingness to step in to help, no job too small or too large for him to undertake. He was a hard-working, self-less man who was admired and loved by so many. He had a great sense of humor. He was a faithful servant of His Heavenly Father by his service as a deacon, a Sunday School teacher and faithful volunteer at the different churches he attended throughout his life’s journey. Even witnessing to his nurses while in rehab after his stroke.

Bill enjoyed spending his time with his family, he loved woodworking and doing other projects in his shop, gardening, flower and lawn care. He suffered a massive stroke in August of 2018 which left him paralyzed entirely on his left side, never to be able to walk again. Bill went from an active sun up to sun down lifestyle to a devastating sit in a chair until his healing as he entered Heaven. This was extremely hard and very humbling for him. His devoted wife, Betty, cared for him in their home for seven years with the help of family before having to move him into a care facility.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Gary, his brother-n-law, Rick Rippeto, and his great niece, Collins Rippeto.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of almost 62 years, Betty (Tyree) Orr, his children, Bill Orr (wife, Brenda), Kathy Payne (husband, Kelly), Kevin Orr as well as his 7 grandchildren, Brea Chipman (Will), Justin Payne (Erika), Dawn Orr, Amber Phillips (Dylan), Dani Orr, Aubrey Hartley, Tyler Orr, 4 great grandchildren, Lily and Layla Payne, Elijah & Elliana Phillips, his brother Burl Orr, Jr (Connie), 3 sisters, Jan Rippeto, Donna Mudd (Dale), Deedra Fischer (Tom) and many nieces and nephews.

We know that he is enjoying his heavenly residence with all his loved ones who are there. We don’t say goodbye but instead we say – “See you on the other side!”