Billy Don Archer, 73, passed away Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, at Baptist Health-Little Rock.
He was born July 1, 1944, in Manila, Arkansas to James Manuel and Christine Smith Archer. Billy graduated salutatorian of his class from Palestine, Arkansas. After graduation he entered the Army and trained in teletype. In 1966 he then went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone. He met and married the love of his life, Dolly Kimble, in 1967. In 1970 they moved to Hot Springs where their daughter, Jena, was born. He served as union president of Communication Workers of America-Local 6503 for a time. Billy took an early retirement at the age of 53 from Southwestern Bell. After retirement he went to work for the National Park Service in Hot Springs. In 2015 Billy and Dolly moved to Stuttgart to be closer to family. Billy enjoyed spending time at the deer cabin near White Oak State Park. He enjoyed spending time on Lake Hamilton. His granddaughters were the light of his life. He was their biggest fan; whether dancing, playing softball, or basketball. Billy was baptized at Piney Baptist Church in Hot Springs.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dolly; and brothers, Bob and Jerry.
Survivors are his daughter, Jena Stratton and husband Mark of Stuttgart; brothers, Eugene Archer (Kathy) of Paragould, and Kenneth Archer of Shirley; sisters, Lilly Harris (Bill) of Ozark, Cindy Gillmore (Delmas) of Sulphur Rock, and Nancy Scott of Jasper, Alabama; and two granddaughters, Abby and Emily.
Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Turpin Funeral Home followed by graveside service at 11 a.m. at Lone Tree Cemetery Chapel. Please go to www.turpin-co.com to sign the online guestbook..