| Graduation Year | Class of 1943 |
| Date of Passing | Jul 09, 2005 |
| About | William Jason Henley III, 79, of Russellville, died Saturday, July 9, 2005, at the Dardanelle Nursing Center . The son of the late William Jason Henley II and the late Margaret Pritchard Henley, he was born July 25, 1925 in Rushville, IN. Upon graduating high school in 1943, he served in World War II in the 104th Infantry Regiment under General Patton in the European Theater. He was awarded the Silver Star for bravery by capturing an enemy machine gun nest, and also received a Purple Heart during the Battle of the Bulge. After serving his country, he enrolled at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. He was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry. He started his career as a Forester in 1950 in Glenwood, Arkansas. His career continued in Colorado, Idaho, South Carolina, Florida and Mississippi. He retired in Russellville, Arkansas in 1981. He was President of the Lions Club 1973-74 in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. An avid fisherman and hunter, he was also a member of the Yell County Wildlife Federation, and served as secretary for fifteen years. He was awarded the Arkansas Wildlife Federation Volunteer of the Year in 1996. Among other activities, other organizations included Post 2283 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Russellville as well as being a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans. He was a member of Bay Ridge Boat and Golf Club and First Presbyterian Church of Dardanelle. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Barbara Henley, two sons and daughters-in-law, Steven and Sharon Henley of North Little Rock, and Jay and Roberta Henley of Russellville, and two grandsons, Jason and Ryan Henley. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, Post Office Box 145447, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250, or the First Presbyterian Church, 200 North 2nd Street, Dardanelle, Arkansas 72834, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Private Graveside Burial was July 21, 2005 at East Hill Cemetery in Rushville, IN. Local arrangements were handled by Todd Funeral Home in Rushville. |
