Clarence William “Bill” Webb passed away peaceably on January 14, 2012. Born August 24, 1922 in Alexandria, Virginia, Bill was raised in Falls Church, Virginia ( He always called himself a “Virginia Ham”), and moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1941 with his parents when his father had been prescribed the hot water baths for treatment of his arthritis. Here he met the true love of his life, Betty Jeanne Wheatley.  Three years of the European Theater of World War II intervened before returning home to marry Betty in 1947.

Bill loved the Boy Scouts, and was troop master of Troop #1 at First Presbyterian Church. He sang in the Highland Presbyterian Church and later First Presbyterian Church for 54 years. For thousands of children he was “Santa Claus” at the Hot Springs Mall for 12 years.  He was so good at that, his youngest grandson sat in “Santa’s” lap and came away saying, “Now that was the Real Santa, Mom!” In addition, he was Smiley the Clown, entertainer and magician for hundreds of children and adults for numerous events.

His athletic prowess was demonstrated on the Horseshoe Pit Circuit, where he medaled in over 100 horseshoe tournaments, culminating in winning the Gold Medal in the Arkansas Senior Olympics in San Antonio. He was honored by being elected into the Arkansas Horseshoe Pitchers Association Hall of Fame in 1989.

Bill was an avid Arkansas Razorback fan and influenced 2 of his children and 3 of his grandchildren to attend and graduate from the Uof A. He had an infectious smile, and never met a stranger. No one ever left without being entertained either by a joke or a magic trick.  His family remembers his calming demeanor and his patience of Job. His community remembers him for being a life member of the Elks Club, and his country remembers him for his 26 years of active and reserve Army service, retiring as a master sergeant.

Bill is predeceased by his son, William Thomas (Tom), and is survived by his bride of nearly sixty-five years, Betty Jeanne Wheatley Webb, his “favorite” daughter, Trudy Lynne Webb Walters and husband, Bob, son, Roy Timothy Webb and wife, LaVinia.  He and Betty celebrated the joy of their lives their grandchildren; Amy and Jason Burton, Aaron and Janna Walters, Stacey and Thomas Pierce, Lauren and Blake Eddins, Cody Webb and fiancé, Sara Queen and seven great grandchildren.

A visitation and celebration of Bill’s life will be 5:00 to 7:00 PM Monday, January 16 at Hot Springs Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be Tuesday, January 17 at Memorial Gardens Cemetery at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Lacy Sellers officiating. Military honors will be by the VFW Post #2278 Honor Guard.

Pallbearers are Bob Walters, Aaron Walters, Jason Burton, Thomas Pierce, Blake Eddins and Cody Webb.

Memorials are requested in his honor and memory to the First Presbyterian Church of Hot Springs and Our Promise Cancer Resources.