William loved the Lord with his whole heart and was deeply devoted to sharing the Word of God wherever he went. Serving on mission trips to Mexico was especially meaningful to him and was one of his favorite ways to minister. He loved playing the guitar and singing, especially when he could use music to spread the gospel.
William proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era aboard the USS Turner (DDR-834), where he served as a radioman. Following his time aboard ship, he was stationed in Morocco for 18 months.
He was a generous and caring man whose faith and family meant everything to him. He treasured being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, Nadine Ables; his children, William Lee Ables Jr. (Heather), Tommy Lynn Ables, and Stephanie Nichol Ables; seven grandchildren, Zachary (Jacey), Tyler (Kara), Joshua (Kayla), Tate (Morgan), Blaine (Shilah), Maddie (Aaron), and Noah (Brianna); and 11 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his mother, Virginia Ables Smith; his sisters, Carolyn Mahaney (Jim), Doris Moore (Dennis), and Diane Hines (Kenneth); his brother, Billy Glenn Ables (Debbie); and many extended family members and dear friends.
William was preceded in death by his parents, James Delmer Ables and Thala Jean Williams Ables Davenport, and his brother, James David Ables Sr.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Pinecrest Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Yancey Duff officiating. A graveside service and burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.
Pallbearers will be Zachary Ables, Tyler Ables, Joshua Ables, Tate Smalley, Blaine Smalley, and Noah Ables.
