Bill "Bebo" Slates

John William (“Bill”) Slates Jr. departed this earth to join his wife, parents, and other loved ones in the next life on August 30, 2021. He found joy and happiness in this life through good music, good food, good fun, good golf, and above all, great friends. To those who called him a friend, he wasn’t Bill – he was “Bebo.” He was born to Maurine and John William (“Bill”) Slates Sr. on February 25, 1946. He is predeceased by his wife, his parents, and his older sisters Jane Hunter and Susie Craig. He is survived by his son John William Slates III and his daughter Leigh Slates Koch.

Bebo met the love of his life, Davie Lee Boal, in the 8th Grade at Ramsey Junior High in 1959. The star football, basketball, and track athlete began dating Davie later that year, and they eventually married on June 2, 1967. They would have celebrated 54 years of marriage in June of this year had he not lost his beloved Davie on January 25, 2021.

After receiving All South and All State honors in football as well as All State honors in basketball his senior year at Northside High School in 1964, he attended Rice University graduating in 1968. After graduation, he served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves and built a career working in sales for Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company for over 40 years, retiring on December 31, 2011, as a National Account Executive.

“Bebo” became “Baboo” to his first grandchild John William Slates IV who was welcomed into the world in 2001. Four more grandchildren followed: Nicholas Koch in 2003, Bowden Slates in 2004, Colin Koch in 2006, and Elizabeth Slates in 2007. Baboo loved each of his grandchildren dearly and was immensely proud to be able to see them grow into the young adults and adolescents that they are today.

Bebo served on the Board of Directors and the Greens Committee of Hardscrabble Country Club. He loved the game of golf, but he perhaps loved even more the friendships that it fostered in his life. The competitive spirit that drove his athletic success in high school was ultimately channeled into his golf game. In his last full year of life and at the age of 74, he won the 2020 Hardscrabble President’s Cup match play championship. A suitable send off for someone who gave and received so much from the game.

Bebo was a vital and active part of the local recovery community through the 12-steps, spiritual recovery program, celebrating his 26th year of sobriety less than a week before he passed. He also served on the Board and was the President of the Harbor House Recovery Center. In his last days, many of those he impacted made a point to visit him and tell him what a difference he had made in their lives and in their own steps towards recovery. As part of his spiritual journey, it was also his honor to serve as an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Smith.

It is rare for men to find friendships as close as those that Bebo found. From his high school friends and teammates to the friendships he formed later in life, those that Bebo considered his closest friends have always been there for him – in the good times and the challenging times. And each of those friends, to a man and a woman, would unquestionably agree that Bebo’s life was truly a life well lived. He was loved by all as a husband, a father, and a friend, and all who knew him will miss him immeasurably.

Funeral services will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Friday, September 3, 2021, at 1:00 PM, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church, 116 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901, Mercy Hospice, 3300 South 70th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72903, or a charity of your choice.

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