See service info for Billy Broadway below.
OBITUARY
Billy Broadway, Jr.
Jan 21, 1963 – Oct 26, 2025
Benton, Arkansas
Billy Broadway Jr., age 62, of Benton, Arkansas – lovingly known throughout the community as Benton’s Waving Man – passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
Billy was preceded in death by his father, Billy Broadway Sr.; his mother, Ruby Bumgardner; his stepfather, Maxie Bumgardner; and his sister, Karen Cloud.
He is survived by his sisters, Deborah Hutchison of Benton and Lisa Bumgardner Bess of Hot Springs; his cousins, Lawrence Fagan and Bobby Fagan, both of Benton, and Rhonda Fagan of Oklahoma; three nieces and two nephews – Myra Cloud of Oklahoma, Michael Hutchison and Shelby Hutchison of Benton, Kimberly Bess of Hot Springs, and Jack Bess of Texas – as well as many other extended family members and friends from Benton and the surrounding area.
Billy was known for his waves, his smiles, and his kind-hearted personality. He was a man who never asked for much but continued to give joy freely.
He worked for many years at Powell Sanitation, where he took great pride in riding on the back of the trash truck and helping the community. Later, he found his place at Taco Bell, where he spent the past four years. Billy loved his Taco Bell coworkers, and he absolutely loved his job.
For years, he walked miles to and from work each day unless a kind friend or passerby offered him a ride. He never complained and always did what needed to be done. Billy was known for his funny stories, his ability to make people laugh, and that sweet, unforgettable smile.
He passed away in the home he had only recently made his own – a home made possible through the compassion of a community that took the time to know him, love him, and help him build a new life. Over the past year, that same community helped Billy find stability and joy, and in turn, Billy reminded everyone what true kindness looks like.
Billy’s life is a testament to what a caring community can accomplish and what one person’s kindness can give back in return. The countless smiles he inspired with a simple wave will never be forgotten. With a heart of gold, he touched so many lives. Billy will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Celebration of Life
- Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
- Visitation: 6:00 p.m.
- Service: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: East Side Baptist Church, 311 5th Street, Benton, Arkansas 72015.
- Additional parking is available at the Tyndall Park Ball Fields.
The celebration of life will be led by Outside the Walls Ministry at East Side Baptist Church.
We would love to see you there. Whether you knew Billy, waved at Billy, worked with Billy, loved Billy from afar, or just saw him waving somewhere, you are all invited. Billy loved this town and the people in it and we are grateful to help honor his memory.
Though his hand may no longer wave, the light he brought to this town will keep shining through everyone who knew him. Let Billy’s memory be a true reflection of what it means to love thy neighbor.
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