Sometimes, it is the quiet unassuming heroes beside us that make the biggest impact in our lives. On October 7th, 2019, the world lost such a man.
Billie Jean Warmath, 87, of Paragould, Arkansas, was born on January 21, 1932 in Piggott, Arkansas to William Levi and Leona (Elkins) Warmath.
We have, by his own word, knowledge that he was a rascal. He delighted in telling of his many exploits and adventures.
He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a prisoner of war. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and received the Presidential Unit Citation.
When he returned to the U.S. soil, he saw a United States flag blowing in the breeze and recounted many times that it was the most beautiful sight he had ever beheld.
After returning home to Piggott, he met a beautiful young usher at the Carolyn Theatre. She showed him to his seat and stole his heart. He and Norma Jane (Vancil) Warmath spent 66 years together loving and supporting each other. She survives him.
Billie was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mildred Johnson, Helen Hunt, Bettie Sue Ziem and a brother, Jack Warmath.
Billie and Norma Jane had one son, Allen Lee Warmath. Allen finally married and he and Kimberly presented him with the worlds best grandsons, Nathan (Katy), Levi, Noah and Jonah. He seemed to get his second wind and spent many hours playing in the floor, swinging in the backyard or working in his shop with his boys. He was the best Pop in the world and was an equal partner in many of their shenanigans.
He is also survived by a great-grandson, Aidan.
Grave side services will be private. He will be interned in the family plot at the Piggott Cemetery.