William Rufus "Bill" Stacks

October 15, 1935 - September 10, 2019

William Rufus “Bill” Stacks, aged 83, of Morrilton, Arkansas passed away on the morning of September 10th, 2019. He was born on October 15th, 1935 in Plumerville, Arkansas and was the son of Hollie H. Stacks and Grace Gifford. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Neil and Wayne Gordon, and sisters, Jean Hodnett and Nina Stacks. Bill was a graduate of Morrilton High School and held an honorary doctorate of Public Service from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, member of the First Baptist Church in Morrilton, and was an active community member throughout his lifetime. Among Bill’s many accomplishments were founding the Future Panther Athletic Program for youth sports in Benton, helping to revitalize the Rialto Arts Center in downtown Morrilton, and co-founding the South Conway County Public School Foundation. He retired from AP&L/Entergy after 40 years of service. Bill served in the Arkansas Army National Guard for 20 years and retired as a Captain. Bill’s greatest joys were his faith, family, serving his community, and western swing music. He is survived by his wife of 65years, Mary Jane Poteete Stacks; children, George “Pete” Stacks and wife, Sandra of Russellville; Mary A. “Toni” Ritter of Dover; William Brian Stacks of Lewisville, Texas. Grandchildren include John Stacks of San Diego, California; Lauren Hammond and husband, Jared of Branch; Seth Ritter and wife, Lesha of Ft. Hood, Texas; Holly Taylor and husband Wes of Collinsville, Oklahoma; Adam Ritter and wife Shelly of Russellville; Rebecca Stacks of San Antonio, Texas; Paul Stacks of Corinth, Texas; and Raquel Stacks of San Antonio. Great-grandchildren include Natalie and Georgia Hammond; Larson, William, and Carth Ritter; Eli and Cooper Taylor; Brooks Ritter. Bill is also survived by his sister-in-law Verna Gordon; and numerous nieces and nephews. Special thanks to family friend and caregiver Allen Glover. Services will be held at the Harris Funeral Home Chapel in Morrilton on Thursday, September 12th, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. with Larry Miller officiating. Pallbearers are Phillip Dickens, Ken Wall, Cody Hill, Larry Gordon, Jared Hammond, and Paul Stacks. Bill will be laid to rest at the Plummerville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Morrilton, South Conway County Public School Foundation, or The Rialto Arts Center. A heartfelt thanks to the staff at Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home in Russellville.