William Orvil Loftin, 80, of Conway, passed away Wednesday, February 6, 2019. He was born March 31, 1938 in Winslow to the late Clarence and Vida Loftin. He loved God and family above and beyond all else, and his country next, serving more than 21 years in the National Guard, including active duty in Desert Storm. He worked in sales most of his life, than as an electrician at Camp Robinson for several years before retiring in 1996 after an injury in 1994. He received the Army Achievement Medal on July 15, 1991.
He was an accomplished guitarist and singer, loved to fish, and loved to visit and play dominoes with friends and family. He was an active member of the Mason’s since June of 1968, receiving his 50-year Certificate of Appreciation on July 18, 2018, and is a past Master of Brady Lodge #753 in Little Rock. He received the Pillars of Solomon Award on June 19, 2001.
He was loyal to a fault, faithful, fearless, strong, kind, generous and honest in all ways. Never did he ignore the needs of others and would help any way he could. He was so proud of his family and wanted the best for each of them. He will be sorely missed by all – friends and family alike. Anyone who knew him knew the finest man, husband, father, and grandfather one could ever hope to know.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Lois Fern Loftin; three sisters, Loretta Center and husband Pete, Sibyl Center and husband Jerry, and Sharon Poore.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis of the home; a son, Billy Eugene Loftin of Conway; a stepson, William O. Haverstick of Bozeman, MT; a stepdaughter, Ellen Haverstick of Conway; three grandsons, Curtis, Craig, and Ryan Loftin; a step-granddaughter, Raechel Haverstick; and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral service with Military Honors and Masonic Rites will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 15, 2019 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel with committal at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Center, Mark Center, Larry Crawford, Danny Poore, Jason Ritch, and Tray Knight.
The family will visit with friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 14, 2019, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.
Memorial contributions may be made to AETN Foundation, 350 South Donaghey, Conway, AR 72034 or aetnfoundation.org.
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