Billy (Bill) Dean Baldridge, age 89, of Benton, Arkansas went to be with is Lord on August 23, 2016 with his family by his side. He was born to the late Hershel Pete Baldridge and Elenora Badders on January 2, 1927 in Shatluck, Oklahoma. He spent most of his life in Heber Springs, Arkansas.
Bill is preceded in death by wife, Betty Baldridge, two step-sons, Jimmy Burget and William Burget, and two great grandchildren, Aiden Brown and CJ Burget. He is survived by his step daughter Vanessa (Doug) Beck, two step-sons, Dennis (Liz) Burget and Tony (Veronica) Burget, and a brother Steve (Sue) Baldridge. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 1 nephew.
Bill enlisted in the Army in 1943 and proudly served 4 years while defending our country in World War II. He then served an additional 4 ½ years in the Navy. He loved being out at sea and wanted see the world so he decided to join the Merchant Marines where he spent the next 10 years.
Most people will remember Bill (Grandad) as man who loved the Lord, his wife, whom he said was his greatest joy and the love of his life, polka Joe, his cat, playing his harmonica, singing, and always wanting to dance. He is loved by many and will be dearly missed. A celebration of life will be held at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant on August 28, 2016 at 2:00.
In his last days he wanted to leave us all with a message, "We must love everyone". He held this close to his heart and lived his life full of love. As 1 John 4:7 says, Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.