William (Bill) Ray Gilbert passed away on January 2, 2023, at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, AR. He was born November 14, 1939, in Huron, South Dakota to Morris N. and Mary E. Gilbert. The family moved to Billings, Montana in 1947 and moved back to Huron, S.D. in 1950.

Bill attended Huron College from 1957 to 1958 and transferred to South Dakota State where he graduated in 1961. He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley, June 18, 1961, and they lived in Brookings, SD where he sold insurance for five years. Their children, Douglas and Julie were born in Brookings. The family of four moved to Houston, TX in 1965 for a franchise opportunity. He was employed by Stuart Pharmaceuticals as a salesman for 13 years then joined Smith Kline for 20 years. He and Shirley retired to Bella Vista, AR in 2003. While in Houston, he coached many of Doug and Julie's little league teams and at First Baptist Church he served as Deacon and coached several teams in church ball league. He played lots of tennis and slow pitch softball. He was committed to his faith in Christ since the age of 11, sang in the church choirs, and was a member of Bella Vista Baptist Church. He was a good neighbor to all. He loved to sketch and paint pictures and play on his Lowrey Organ.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of 61 years; son, Douglas and wife, Theresa; daughter, Julie Asbill and husband, Robert; five grandchildren, Daniel Gilbert and wife, Jen, Justin Steelman and wife, Suzanne; Alex Asbill and wife, Courtney; Morgan Asbill; Brian Gilbert and wife, Shelby; four great grandchildren, Rylee and Zoe Steelman, Gabriel Gilbert and Jaxon Asbill; sister, Mary Jane George of Arizona; nieces, Marylin Paulson and husband, Mike, Kathryn Ross and husband, Chuck, Sue Higgins and husband, JP.

A funeral service will be held at the Cooper Chapel, 504 Memorial Drive, Bella Vista, AR 72714 on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at 12:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Circle of Life Hospice, 1201 NE Legacy Pkwy, Bentonville, AR 72712.

Arrangements are being made by the Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be left at www.funeralmation.com.