Bill Whitehead

Billy Joe Whitehead, 90, of Elizabeth, AR., went home to Heaven to be with his Lord and Savior and reunited with family on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, AR. He was a faithful husband, beloved father and loving grandfather and great-grandfather. Billy was born March 19, 1930 in Corning, AR. As a young man, he worked for his Dad, Toby, at the Ice Plant for many years. On July 5, 1950, he married Oma Dean Brown. They celebrated 70 years of marriage in July, 2020.

They moved to Rockford, IL., in 1950 and he worked as a TIG welder at Sundstrand Corp for over 32 years. He owned and operated Hand Cove Resort from 1972 – 1978 sharing his love of Lake Norfork and many fish fries with visitors and lifelong friends. During his retirement, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, being on the lake, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a faithful caregiver to his loving wife for many years. He was a current member of First Baptist Church in Mountain Home, AR., and former member of Berean Baptist Church in Rockford, IL.

Survivors include his wife Oma Dean (Brown) Whitehead of the home; daughter Patricia (Richard) Swanson of Stillman Valley, IL.; grandchildren Christopher (Stephanie) Swanson of Parrish, FL.; and Heidi (Blake) Bradle of Stillman Valley, IL.; great-grandchildren Blake and Anna Bradle, and Chase Swanson; brothers Frank Whitehead of Freeport, IL and Wilkie (Sylvia) Whitehead of Winnebago, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents Toby Clarence and Lelia (Whitaker) Whitehead; brothers Toby, Johnny, and Phillip Whitehead; and sisters Nina Smith and Martha Owens.

Visitation will be Friday, February 19, 2020 from 12:00 PM until the time of service at 1:00 PM at Ermert Funeral Home in Corning, with Tad Rogers officiating. Burial will follow the services at Black Cemetery in Palatka.

www.ermertfuneralhome.com