William Edward Butler

HOPE, Ark.—William Edward "Bill" Butler Jr., 76, of Hot Springs, Ark., died Saturday, July 14, 2018, at his home. Mr. Butler was born Aug. 9, 1941, in Hope. He was a former mayor of Hope, the vice-president at Citizens National Bank, the president of First Federal Savings and Loan, Merchants' Bank, United Federal Bank and Bank of Blevins, a former member of Hope Chamber of Commerce, Hope City Board of Directors and Sigma Alpha Epsilon and a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church. Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann Beaty Butler of Hot Springs; two sons, Timothy Don Butler of San Antonio, Texas, and William E. Butler III of Hot Springs; one brother, Rick Butler of Dierks, Ark.; four grandchildren, William McKenzie Butler, William Edward Butler IV, Matthew Thomas Butler and Mary Madelyn Butler of Hot Springs; one great-granddaughter, Emmery Blake Johnson; and a number of other relatives. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. today at Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home with the Rev. David Porterfield officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to a preferred charity. Online registration is at herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com.