Willie "Bill" Junior Jaynes

Willie “Bill” Junior Jaynes, 82, of Bella Vista, Arkansas sadly departed this life on September 25, 2025 after a long battle with illness. He was born on December 22, 1942 in Ethelsville, Alabama to the late Robert Henry Jaynes and Meta Myeerah (Huffman) Jaynes.

Bill was born and raised in Ethelsville, Alabama, and graduated from Liberty High School in 1961. That same year, he joined the Army National Guard. He later pursued higher education, earning his Bachelor's Degree from Louisiana Tech University in 1984.

For many years, Bill worked in the paper industry in Hodge, Louisiana. He was happily married to his beloved wife, Yvonne, for 35 wonderful years. In 1993, the couple moved from Winnfield, Louisiana to Bella Vista, Arkansas, where they would spend the next 32 years building a life filled with love, laughter, and community.

Bill enjoyed playing snooker and was a dedicated member of the Snooker Club at Riordan Hall, serving as both secretary and president from 1994 to 2020. He and Yvonne also loved playing cards almost every weekend after moving to Bella Vista, and he loved playing games such as Hand and Foot and Mexican train dominoes. While living in Louisiana, he was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he loved spending time outdoors. He was also an avid traveler; he and Yvonne enjoyed countless road trips together, especially to Las Vegas and the scenic landscapes of Colorado.

Known affectionately as “Skill Bill” to some of his friends, he was a talented handyman who loved tinkering and fixing things in his spare time. His goofy personality and loving nature brought joy and laughter to everyone around him.

Later in life, Bill and Yvonne moved into Concordia Independent Living in Bella Vista, where they found a close-knit and supportive community. Bill cherished the friendships he made there and remained active and engaged until his final days. He made a lasting impact on the lives of those around him, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

Bill is preceded in death by: parents, Robert Henry Jaynes and Meta Myeerah Jaynes; and siblings, Robert Earl Jaynes, Fannie Mae (Jaynes) Westcott, Mary Emma Jaynes, and Danny Johnson.

He is survived by: loving wife, Yvonne (Dufresne) Jaynes of Bella Vista; children, Michael Jaynes of Hodge, LA, Robert Jaynes (Allyson) of West Monroe, LA, and LaTasha Stump (Eddie) of Shreveport, LA; step-children, Shannon Austin of Chicago, Darrell Austin (Shelley) of Quitman, LA, and Regina Austin of Branson, MO; sister, Sarah Frances Jaynes Arney of Starkville, MS; brothers, Noah Luther Jaynes (Doris) of Norway, Maine, and Larry Oneal Jaynes (Jeanette) of Muscle Shoals, AL; seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Tuesday, September 30th at Bella Vista Memorial Gardens at 11:00 AM.