William Eugene Arendt Sr.

Born on January 2, 1929, in East, Texas, to parents Velma Elizabeth Granberry and Herman Conrad Arendt, William grew up with a strong work ethic and a natural talent for working with his hands. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 74 years, Barbara A. Arendt, who shared his life through decades of love and unwavering partnership, also his parents and his brother, Conrad Arendt.

William was a 1947 graduate from North Little Rock High School and afterwards he dedicated 40 years to a career as a skilled machinist with the Missouri Pacific Railroad, which later became part of Union Pacific. He retired with pride after a lifetime of hard work, having mastered the art of precision and reliability in everything he touched. Known far and wide as a man who could build or fix anything, William’s ingenuity and resourcefulness were legendary among family and friends. His passion for woodworking brought beauty and functionality into the lives of those he loved, crafting pieces that will be treasured for generations.

In retirement, William and Barbara found immense joy in their getaway house at Carter Cove on Lake Nimrod, where they hosted countless big family gatherings filled with warmth, stories, and home-cooked meals. These cherished times created lasting memories of togetherness and the simple pleasures of family bonding in the heart of Arkansas’s natural beauty.

William is survived by his three loving children, William E Arendt Jr (Rossana), Stephen Mark Arendt (Gina), Janet Arendt Hicks, and known to his eight grandchildren as PapaGene: Gigi (Joel) Sanders, Jonathan Hicks, Justin Hicks, Christi (Matt) Lentz, Jenny (Steven) Fletcher, Mark Arendt, Annie (Daniel) Cuervo and William “Billy” E (Ali) Arendt III, and thirteen great-grandchildren: Isaac, Teresa, Peter, Hannah, Ruth Sanders; Madison, Amelia, Caroline Lentz; Natalie, Isabelle Cuervo; Beckett, Gunner and Asher Fletcher, along with several loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A man of few words, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication and quiet strength that touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.

William Eugene Arendt Sr will be profoundly missed but forever remembered in the hearts of his family and all who were blessed by his presence. He was a member of Baring Cross Baptist Church in North Little Rock later in Sherwood, AR.

Private funeral services are under the direction of Dignity Memorial Griffin Leggett Rest Hills funeral home. William’s final resting place will be at Rest Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Baring Cross Baptist Church, Sherwood, AR.