William Edward DeLoach

It is with profound joy and sadness that we announce the passing of William E "Dub" DeLoach. After a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease which spanned many decades, Dub was called to his heavenly reward on May 31, 2014. While we are saddened concerning this loss, we are assured of his eternal destiny and this gives all of us great peace. Dub has been a lifelong servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, ministering and serving churches in Arkansas, Mississippi, Georgia and most notably at the White's Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, La. The most cherished and happiest days of his life include his service at the White's Ferry Road Church during the years 1965-1987. Along side many other faithful servants, he worked to build a church which continues to impact many in a positive way for eternity. Born on Jan. 31 1934, in Muskogee, Okla., Dub was raised by loving parents, William DeLoach Sr. and Clara Maples DeLoach, who preceded him death many years ago. He was a 1952 graduate of Muskogee Central High School. Upon graduation from high school, Dub served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era. He served as a artillery instructor at Fort Chaffee, Ark., from 1952-1955. While serving in the military, he met the love of his life, Nancy Echols. A lifelong romance began and spanned almost 60 years. Dub and Nancy were married in Muskogee, Okla., on Jan. 28 1957, and recently celebrated 57 years of faithful marriage. Throughout the course of this marriage, there has been an abundance of unconditional love on full display for all to see. The marriage has produced five faithful followers of the Lord Jesus, Stephen DeLoach, Roger DeLoach, Derrell DeLoach, Jeff DeLoach and Kara Tabor. Without question, the marriage has been defined by selfless love, serving as an example to future generations, impacting all who witnessed the love they shared. In 1957, Dub entered Harding University in Searcy, Ark., and eventually obtained graduate degrees from Harding School of Religion and the Alabama School of Religion. Following these academic pursuits, a lifelong service to the Lord Jesus ensued as Dub served numerous churches, leading many people into a deeper commitment to Christ, impacting many for eternity. During his life, Dub served in and directed evangelical campaigns for Christ throughout the United States and in Canada. Most notably, Dub was extremely proud to serve as a Professor of Greek Studies at the White's Ferry Road School of Preaching. From 1970-1985, Dub was involved in the training of others to become gospel preachers. During these years, Dub was proud to serve on the ministry staff at the White's Ferry Road Church. In addition, Dub served as an elder of the church during this time as well. Without a doubt, these years were the finest and most joyful years of his life. Lifelong bonds and friendships were formed during this time which endure to this day and these associations will endure throughout eternity. In 1982, Dub was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and began a 32-year battle, one which caused many struggles and challenges within his life. Throughout these challenges, his lifelong partner, Nancy, served faithfully by his side, assisting him daily, showering him with love, and displaying a level of commitment and devotion not often seen. While this disease ultimately claimed his earthly life, the love witnessed by Dub and Nancy will never be forgotten. In 1987, Dub relocated to Springdale, Ark., where he served at the Robinson Avenue Church of Christ. This association ended in 2000. Since the year 2000, this faithful servant, husband, father and grandfather has been cared for at home by his devoted wife. During this time, many of us witnessed the struggles associated with Parkinson's disease; however, we also witnessed the power of unconditional love, selfless devotion and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. While many challenges persisted, we are honored to have witnessed the acts of devotion demonstrated by our mother, and we will never forget them. Nancy was present at Dub's side on a daily basis during these years and she was at his side as he passed to eternity. During the course of this blessed life, the presence and providence of God have been clearly evident on a number of occasions, serving as great testimony to the fullness of joy that is freely given to those who surrender to the call of Christ. Despite numerous challenges, a steadfast faith was always embraced and on full display. Without question, this life can be defined by a legacy of faithful and selfless service to the kingdom of God. As a result, Dub can boldly recite the words of the Apostle Paul: "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now, there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge will award of that faithful day." (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Dub was preceded in death by his loving parents, William DeLoach Sr. and Clara Maples DeLoach; in addition to two sisters, Bobbie Marshall and Ruth DeLoach. He is survived by his faithful wife of 57 years, Nancy. He is also survived by his children and their families, Steve and Colleen DeLoach of Fayetteville, Ark., Roger and Rita DeLoach of Independence, Mo., Derrell and Andrea DeLoach of Bushland, Texas, Jeff and Melissa DeLoach of Bella Vista, Ark., and Kara and Charles Tabor of Winslow, Ark. Additionally, he is survived by 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren in addition to numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends. The family is grateful to many who have served as lifelong friends; however, we are most especially and eternally grateful to the finest neighbors any one could ever hope for, Gerald and Vicki Harp. Funeral arrangements will be conducted by the Beard Funeral Home in Fayetteville, Ark., and the family will available for visitation at this location on Tuesday evening from 5-7 p.m. Services will be held at the Mt. Comfort Church of Christ in Fayetteville and led by Dr Jim White, a former ministry partner and dear friend. Services will be held on Wednesday, June 4, at 10 a.m. Following these services, burial will occur at Memorial Park Cemetery in Muskogee, Okla. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Casey DeLoach, Matt DeLoach, Dustin DeLoach, Isaiah DeLoach, Joshua DeLoach, Riley DeLoach and Max DeLoach. Family and friends are encouraged to attend this celebration of a life will lived, one marked by service to the Lord. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial gift be made to Operation Guyana, a ministry operated by Stephen DeLoach. Gifts may be made online at www.guyana-missions.org/donation.htm or they may also be mailed to the Jacksonville Beach Church of Christ at P.O. Box 51153, Jacksonville, FL 32240. Online condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.