William E. "Bill" Tolleson, Sr.

Mr. William Ellis "Bill" Tolleson, Sr., 85, Hope, Ark., passed away, Saturday, July 10, 2010, in Fayetteville, Ark. Mr. Tolleson was born to Maxine and C.P. Tolleson Feb. 23, 1925 in Wright City, Okla. He grew up in Hope and graduated from Hope High School. In 1943 Mr. Tolleson joined the Army to serve his country in Europe during WWII with the 103rd Infantry Division, 409th Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Fox Company until 1946. He married Mary Stuart Jackson July 11, 1948 . After graduating from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Civil Engineering they settled in Hope and he joined his father's business - Tol-E-Tex Oil Co. Mr. Tolleson managed the International Harvester dealership in Hope for 40 years. He was a life long member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hope, president of the Hope Public School Board for 10 years and helped facilitate the public schools through desegregation, served on the Water and Light Board and served his community in many ways. Bill felt extremely blessed by his children and grandchildren. He never had a harsh word or dishonest action. He spent his retirement years with his faithful companion, Roscoe, working on his home and farm. Mr. Tolleson was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Mary Stuart and his sister, Mary Pauline "Polly" Huber. He is survived by his sons Bill Tolleson Jr. of Hope, Tom Tolleson of Evergreen, Colo.; and his daughters Molly Reyenga of Robertsdale, Ala., Jenny Hardy of Durango, Colo., Susan Watkins of Fayetteville, Ark., Emily Mistretta of Lakeland, Fla., Kathy Tolleson of Little Rock, Ark. ; Sarah Goodgame of Fayetteville, Ark.; 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank his dear friends Elaine Douglas and Janet Latham for their kindness and friendship of the past 10 years. Memorial services will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 13, 2010, First Presbyterian Church, 701 South Main St., Hope, with Dr. Phil McLarty officiating. Private burial will be held. Visitation will be Monday, July 12, 2010, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home 1001 South Main St. Hope, Ark. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church 701 S. Main Hope, Ark. 71801. Online Guestbook: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com.