William M. ("Bill") Dorough
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Mar 24th, 2017
- Death Date: Mar 24, 2017
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Biography: William M. (?Bill?) Dorough, 88, passed away Friday, March 24 of chronic leukemia. He was born January 5, 1929 in Little Rock, to the late W.T. and Jefferson Murphy Dorough. He was also preceded in death by his aunt Nancy Murphy, and sister Jeane Hundley. Growing up on a dairy farm during the Great Depression, he joined 4-H at age nine and won several prizes showing registered Jersey cattle at county, state and national livestock competitions. He graduated from Fuller High School, attended Arkansas Tech in Russellville for two years, and transferred to the University of Arkansas. He joined the Arkansas National Guard and went on active duty in 1950 with the 936th Field Artillery Battalion and served with the unit in Korea. He returned to the University in 1952, graduating with a BS in Agriculture, focusing on animal science. In 2009, he was named a Graduate of Distinction of the University?s Department of Animal Science. In 1953, Bill returned to the family farm and developed one of the top registered Jersey herds in the state. In 1968, he and his family were named Pulaski County Farm Family of the Year. In 1976, he sold his dairy herd and started a beef cattle operation, continuing to maintain the farm and herd himself and never retiring from farming. In 1973, he volunteered as an assistant in the Arkansas State Fair Livestock Department. In 1976, he accepted a full-time position at the State Fair as Livestock Director and Superintendent of Grounds. With assistance from county agents and Vo-Ag teachers throughout the state, he developed a highly successful Junior Livestock program at the State Fair, finding his greatest enjoyment working with 4-H and FFA youth from across Arkansas and working with generations of families participating in livestock shows. He received an honorary membership from the Junior Cattlemen?s Association in 1987. He retired from the State Fair in 1994 but continued as part-time Livestock Director until retiring in 2004. Then in 2006, he returned part-time to assist the Livestock Department. In 2005 he received the Charles R. Smith Memorial Award by the Arkansas Fair Managers Association for outstanding service to the fair industry. In 2008 he was inducted into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame. For decades, he served on several agriculture non-profit boards. He served as a Farmers? Association Co-op board member for 39 years (with 25 years as President). He served on the Farm Credit Board, Pulaski County Farm Bureau, Farmers Home Administration, Pulaski Conservation District Board, Pulaski County 4-H Foundation Board, and the Pulaski County Extension Advisory Council. He was an officer in the Farm & Ranch Club of Arkansas, receiving their Man of the Year Award in 1980. At the time of his passing, he was Chairman of the Fourche Island Drainage District Board and a director of the Board of Governors of the Arkansas State Fair and the Arkansas Cattlemen?s Foundation Board. Bill was a lifelong member of Primrose United Methodist Church, which was established in 1867 when his ancestors donated land for the church and cemetery. He has served in numerous official capacities, including Chairman of the Administrative Council, Board of Trustees, and Cemetery Committee. He continually advocated for the congregation and made himself available to serve its needs. He had a lifelong love of animals, but none more than his horse Genius and his Australian shepherd Tasha, who were his friends and partners at the farm. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Frances Shimek Dorough; daughter Ann Dorough and son-in-law Gregory Uekman of Maryland; nieces Kay Fisher and Nancy McKenzie of Little Rock; cousins Evelyn Elgin of Little Rock, Mary Alice Lomason of Michigan and Becky Donohue of Texas; brother-in-law Paul Shimek II of Florida; nephews Arthur Shimek of Florida and Paul Shimek III of Georgia; great-niece Leslie Santillo of Florida; great-nephews Robert, William and Gregory Fisher of California; and numerous other great-nieces and nephews. Visitation will be at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W. Markham St., Little Rock on Tuesday, March 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. A funeral service will be at Primrose United Methodist Church on Wednesday, March 29 at 11 a.m., followed by burial in Primrose United Methodist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Primrose United Methodist Church, 3006 W. Dixon Rd., Little Rock, AR 72206.
My condolences to all his family. He will be missed by people across the state.
I started working for him while I was still employed by the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. My daughters showed sheep at the State fair for 15 years and I know they will miss seeing him as much as I will. He was such a great person.
I saw Bill a couple of times when he was at UAMS undergoing leukemia treatment (I work at UAMS). He fought this disease with courage. We have lost a good man -- a man of "true grit." My condolences to Bill's family. God bless them as they face the days ahead.
We are so saddened at this time, but we feel very certain that Bill and my dad, David McMahon, are enjoying talking cows together and catching up with one another!
Our love to everyone,
Susan McMahon Taylor, Claire, Audrey, Christine & Madeline; Mary Ann McMahon
Harper Cooper
I worked with Frances in the insurance claims field. She was always the consummate professional. Where did all those years go?
Sincere condolences to Frances and the family.
Davy Cro0ckett
immediately made me feel at home. I am honored to have known him and to be able to call him my friend.
Sandy Reynolds
You are in my thoughts and prayers as well as your family. Sending my sympathy and love your way.
May God give you his special peace and comfort in the days ahead.
In fondest memory
My wife and I are donating memberships to the American Rabbit Breeders Asc in his honor for everyone that was there.
My heart was broken yesterday when I heard about Mr.Bill. I never thought when I left work Monday would be my last time to talk to him. I am so sorry.