William "Bill" Moates Sr.

Bill was born April 22, 1934, in Red Oak, Iowa to Tom and Ruth Moates. He graduated from the University of Nebraska, and he proudly served his country as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army, stationed in Nuremberg, Germany. He was a member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), and he always had a flag pin on his shirt or lapel and passed out thousands of those pins to everyone he met.

Bill married his wife, Shirley Moates on April 30, 1966. She was the love of his life, and he was seldom seen without her by his side. They were, inseparable! Bill was the definition of a faithful husband, a loving father, and a devoted family man.

Bill was a life-long entrepreneur with many successful endeavors, and he was honored to be one of the oldest practicing Realtors in the River Valley. He worked with Sagely & Edwards Realtors for his entire two decade career. He was a fierce and proud patriot with a deep interest in history and was a lifelong learner who never stopped seeking knowledge and wisdom. Above all, Bill loved the Lord and faithfully shared his faith, hope, and love with his children, grandchildren, and everyone he encountered. He was, until the very end, an eternal optimist.

His favorite Bible verse—the first Bible verse his mom taught him—was 1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” This verse was sacred to Bill, and it was the way he lived. He loved deeply, lived faithfully, and encouraged those around him to do the same.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Shirley Moates; his children, William Moates Jr., (Rebecca), Kimberly Cox (Brandon), and John Moates (Vanessa); and seven grandchildren, James, Ethan, Noelle, Will, Samuel, Lila, Kate; all of which he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Ruth; his brother, Tom Jr.; his sisters, Rosie and Suzie; and one grandchild, Andrew Moates.

Visitation will be held from 5-7p.m. on February 16, 2026, at Edwards Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow on February 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bill’s memory to MOAA, The Gary Sinise Foundation and the staff at Chapel Ridge Rehab in Fort Smith, AR.

Online condolences may be sent to, www.edwardsfuneralhome.com