William Grove Poorboy

William Grover "Billy" Poorboy, 80, of Clifty passed peacefully from this life on June 22, 2013, surrounded by loved ones at his home. Born in Muskogee, Okla., on Jan. 21, 1933, to Jessie Lee (Kyle) and William Grover Poorboy Sr.; he was raised by his mother and his stepfather, Melvin Hull. He leaves his wife, Roberta of the home; his daughter, Kalyne Wall and her husband, Gary; his son, Marc Poorboy and his wife, Joy; his son, Shaw Poorboy and his wife, Laurie; his sister, Marilyn Martin; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; many friends and loved ones; and his devoted dog, Lucas. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and his sister. In 1952, he married the love of his life, Roberta Mae Goff, in Owasso, Okla., and for 61 years, they lived a remarkable and full life together, traveling, hunting and fishing all over the United States. After their children were grown, he and Roberta made their home near Clifty, where they both had roots, warmly welcoming friends and family into their home. Bill was a gifted artist and an award-winning master woodcarver, creating sculptures which were heavily influenced by nature and his Native American heritage. He had an affinity for animals, raising many horses and dogs throughout his life. He loved music of all kinds, and enjoyed collecting Native American and Western items. A machinist by trade, Bill was known for his careful and precise work. In 1969, parts that he machined for NASA were used on the Apollo 11 spacecraft, which carried Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the moon, and because of his involvement, he and his family attended the launch at Kennedy Space Center in Florida with special clearance. His work for NASA provided parts used on missions from Mercury through the space shuttle. He will be remembered as a man who loved life and made the most of each day; a generous, hard-working and devoted husband, father and grandfather, who was quick to laugh and was rarely seen without a smile. He had fun everywhere he went. Bill was a man of integrity and a proud member of the Cherokee Nation. There is no word for "goodbye" in the Cherokee language, simply the words "we will see each other again." Services will be held on Thursday, June 27, at 2 p.m. in the Clifty Chapel, Clifty, Ark., with Pastor Dwayne Lane officiating. Interment will follow at Clifty Cemetery under the direction of Brashears Funeral Home, www.brashearsfuneralHome.net, of Huntsville, Ark.