Bill James Forgey, 78, of Gateway, Ark. passed away at his home on August 27, 2024.

He was born on September 30, 1945 in Stella, Mo., to parents Clement Eugene “Gene” and Beulah Elizabeth Forgey.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Gene Forgey.

Survivors include his daughter, Gina and her family; his son, Greg and his family; his sister, Linda Follett, his sister, Vicki Johnson and her family, and cousin, Shirley Davis.

He lived on the farm that was homesteaded by his family in 1860 with his parents, one older brother, Bob and two younger sisters, Linda and Vicki. Later, they moved to Southwest City, Mo. where he attended high school.

After graduating high school, he married his high school sweetheart, Sherry “Jeanne” Womack.

He took a job with the railroad, travelling around the country for several years. After his grandmother died, he purchased the farm and moved to Springdale, working as a mechanic at night and remodeling the farmhouse during the day, while babysitting his 5-year-old daughter, Gina. When it was completed, the family moved to Gateway. One year later, his son, Greg was born.

For the majority of his career, he worked as a mechanic and Union Steward for Teamsters at Jones Truck Lines in Springdale until it closed. He completed his career as a truck driver. After retiring, he continued to farm.

The family wants to send a special thank you to everyone who helped him keep the farm going when he wasn’t physically able to do it alone and to the Circle of Life Hospice, who allowed him to spend his last days where he wanted to be, at his farm.

Graveside services were held Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Roller Ridge Cemetery in Gateway, Ark., under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Rod Garmon conducted the service.