William (Bill) James Kennedy, 83, of Bella Vista, passed away on April 17, 2022 in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Bill was raised in Van Buren, Arkansas and graduated from Van Buren High School in 1956. Bill retired from Rheem Manufacturing in Fort Smith, Arkansas after 27 years where he worked as the Labor Relations Administrator. After raising four beautiful children, Bill and his wife, Connie moved to Bella Vista in 1994.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; Gerald and Faye Kennedy; three sisters, Jan Jewett, Vicki Jones and Lynn Holcombe.

Bill is survived by his wife of 62 years, Connie Jean Kennedy; four children; Bill Kennedy Jr. and wife, Linda, of Bella Vista, Kelly Kennedy of Bella Vista, Leslie Folsom and husband, Joe, of Bella Vista, and Leigh Ann Watkins and husband, Jake, of Corinth, Texas. Bill and Connie were blessed with 12 grandchildren; Danni Kennedy, Casey Kennedy, Evan Kennedy, Jamie Kelly, Nick Nunnelee, Jordan Sooter, Joey Folsom, Emily Folsom, Rose Folsom, Dawn Andrews, Audrey Watkins and Natalie Watkins. The Kennedy family has 9 great-grandchildren; Victoria Delacruz, Aria Hayes, Landon Kelly, Camryn Kelly, Nate Nunnelee, Aubrey Nunnelee, Sophia Andrews, Aubree Andrews, and Gracie Andrews.  Bill is also survived by two brothers, Pat Kennedy of Bentonville, and Mike Kennedy of Bella Vista.

Visitation will be held at the Bella Vista Funeral Home on Thursday, April 21 from 5:00 – 7:00 in the evening. Funeral services will also be held at the Bella Vista Funeral Home on Friday, April 22 at 10:00 AM. A private burial service will be held at Sarah Grove Cemetery in Van Buren, Arkansas.

Memorials may also be made to Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory.  On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.