of Sherwood, AR
December 28, 1946 - March 14, 2026
William ''Bill'' Downing Fraley, 79, of Sherwood, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on March 14.
Bill was born December 28, 1946, in Chelsea, Oklahoma. After the death of his parents in 1962, he moved to Harrison, Arkansas, where he lived with his aunt and uncle, Martin B. ''Mike'' and Lodema ''Dema'' Windham. He graduated from high school in Harrison and then attended Hendrix College in Conway, earning a degree in chemistry in 1969. During his senior year he met fellow science major Judy Cox in a political science class that both of them later joked they nearly failed because neither spoke ''politicalese.'' That class began a partnership that would last the rest of his life.
Following graduation in 1969, Bill enlisted in the United States Army and later earned a commission through Officer Candidate School as an intelligence officer. From April 1971 to April 1972 he served in the Vietnam War, for which he received the Bronze Star with ''V'' device for valor under fire and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
Bill and Judy married on June 10, 1973, and began a life shaped by military service and adventure. Over the next two decades, they lived at several Army posts, including Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Huachuca, Arizona; Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and Stuttgart, Germany. His final assignment was along the border between East and West Germany during the final years of the Cold War. While overseas, he developed a love of German food and culture, and traveled extensively throughout Europe with his family.
While in the Army, Bill also earned a master's degree in information systems and held a variety of intelligence and leadership assignments. He retired from military service in September 1989 after 20 years. In addition to the Bronze Star, he received numerous honors including two Meritorious Service Medals and the Joint Service Commendation Medal.
Following military retirement, Bill returned to central Arkansas and began a lengthy second career in computer programming. He first worked for the Pulaski County tax office, becoming senior programmer, and later for Electronic Data Systems. His final programming job was at UCA in Conway, after which he retired from professional work in 2012.
Throughout his life Bill was deeply involved in Scouting and served as an adult leader in the Boy Scouts of America for nearly three decades. Beginning with a troop he helped start in Germany for military families, he led generations of Scouts on outdoor adventures that included backpacking in Europe and the Rocky Mountains. His own love of wilderness exploration eventually led him on treks in the Himalayas to Mount Everest, the Alaskan wilderness, and the Andes of Peru.
Bill was also a longtime member of Sylvan Hills United Methodist Church in Sherwood, where he was active in many aspects of church life. He sang in the choir, played handbells, volunteered in community service, and later chaired the church's Buildings and Grounds Committee. His wife Judy continues to serve the congregation as music director for more than three decades.
Whether spending time with his family, serving his country, exploring the world, or being active in his faith, Bill approached life with discipline, curiosity, and a quiet sense of humor. He will be forever loved and deeply missed by his family, friends, and community.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Judy Fraley (née Cox); his sons, Daniel Fraley (Crystal) and Patrick Fraley (Gina); and his grandchildren, Owen Fraley and Kailyn Fraley. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Louila Fraley, and his siblings David, Mona, and Genie.
A memorial service will be held at 10 am, Friday, March 27 at Sylvan Hills United Methodist Church in Sherwood. Burial will follow at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.
Visitation will be from 6-8 pm on Thursday, March 26 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd, North Little Rock.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill's memory to the Sylvan Hills United Methodist Church mission fund or music fund.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and staff at CHI St. Vincent North for their exceptional care and compassion.
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22 Condolence(s)
Sara Baldwin
Monday, March 23, 2026
Judy, I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Bill was a great person and a great humanitarian. He is going to be greatly missed.
Shirley Clark
Monday, March 23, 2026
Bill Fraley was a gracious and loyal man. He loved life, and his family. That included his church family. I was a member of the church for 9 years with my husband, Jim Chalsma. To this day, Sylvan Hills is my church family, as I watch on Sundays. Bill and Judy were dear friends while we lived there, and continue to be even as we are separated. My prayers go to Judy and her family in this time of grief. I empathize with her completely. Love you Judy and Bill and jim can continue their talks in heaven now.
Alice Singleton
Monday, March 23, 2026
Judy, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. Prayers for your during this time of grief.
Deborah Manfredini
Sunday, March 22, 2026
I feel that a big hole has been punched through our church family with Bill's passing. He was an insightful member of Sunday School and Bible studies...always making them so interesting and always adding in-depth comments. He was an officer, a gentleman and a scholar and he will truly be missed.
Sandra Pierce Burke
Saturday, March 21, 2026
So sorry to hear of your loss. You and your precious family are in my prayers for comfort and peace and knowing you will see each other again in heaven. You made NLRHS choir so much more because of your friendship.
Candy Fields Wright
Friday, March 20, 2026
Judy dear, tears are falling in sadness for you, and in appreciation for Bill's service to our country. You and I go way back to elementary school, Girl Scouts, senior
Choir and so much more, for which I am eternally grateful. I pray that precious memories will sustain and uplift you in the sadness of today and days ahead. Love you, Judy.
Tom and Nancy Fomby
Friday, March 20, 2026
Judy, we have been thinking of you every day and hold you close in our hearts. It was an honor to know Bill and call him a friend. He had an impact on those around him and the larger community and will be missed by so many people.
Susan Dill
Friday, March 20, 2026
Please know how much you are in our prayers. Each day I think of you and how strange it must be to be without Bill after all these years. He was a wonderful person. I think of how you traveled the world to support him in his work, and then how he supported you in your work at Sylvan Hills. I'm glad we all found each other at Hendrix: (You and Bill, Susan and Johnny, Nancy and Tommy, Pris and Bob, and the rest of the Raney Girls.)
John Blackwell
Friday, March 20, 2026
I always loved my Sunday School class teacher Bill Fraley. He was a great person who cared deeply about God. He was a great example to young and old and will be deeply missed. I will be praying for you Judy.
Ken Reeves
Friday, March 20, 2026
Bill and I went to high school together in Harrison. He was a fine young man. Witty. Intelligent. Loved by all. I'm not surprised to see that he had such a full and meaningful life and accomplished so much.
So sorry for your loss.
Larry Carpenter
Friday, March 20, 2026
Judy and family- I am sorry to learn of Bill's passing. I always enjoyed visiting with him. Please accept my sympathy and prayers for peace for you and your family.
Larry Carpenter
Mike Helmbeck
Friday, March 20, 2026
The first time I saw Bill I was in Vacation Bible School. He was dressed as Moses Now, to think about it Bill did play a Moses type role in my life. He was always there as an example of what a person could be if they could be as cool as Bill!
I'm going to miss him.
Judy, Daniel, Patrick my heart is with you.
Skip Thurman
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Judy,
We haven't stopped thinking about you and we are so sorry for your loss. I am so grateful my wife Jennifer was able to meet you and Bill last August in Little Rock when we were there. And what a wonderful tribute and remembrance of him and your incredible life together. Sending you much love from Colorado.
Skip and Jen
Dee L. Graham
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Bill, more than anything else I want to thank you for loving my good friend Judy, whom you brilliantly chose to be your wife. I will miss seeing you during our zoom meetings with Judy, and I'll very much miss your "intelligence reports" about world affairs. During tumultuous times, I've for years wanted to hear what you thought. I'm sure that won't end. Thank you, Bill, for all you did to make this world a better, kinder, more loving place.
Shawn Wilkins
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Bill was one of my customers when I worked for olmstead outdoors. RIP SIR. Prayers to the family
Donna Haney
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Judy,
I am so sorry to hear Bill has passed. Bill was always so kind and considerate, willing to help everyone. You and the family are in my prayers for peace and comfort.
With love
Donna
Deb Flynn
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Bill was an amazing man. One of the kindest and most spiritual people I have ever met. He will be missed immensely by many. Thank you Bill for always being the guy to step up and help whenever we needed you. We will miss you at the food pantry. I always looked forward to seeing you.
Danny and Janie Grantham
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Judy,Janie and I both enjoyed getting together know You and Bill. I always held Bill in Great Respect for His accomplishments and dedication to his Family and God. His Military service was exceptional. We will miss seeing Bill at Kailyn's functions Our Prayers are with you and Family during this difficult time. Danny and Janie Grantham🇺🇸
Rick Hale
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
I remember seeing Bill running in the neighborhood. In the heat of summer or the cold of winter he would still be running. I always admired his dedication.
I believe we will see Bill again (and I bet he'll be running).
Judy remember, Rose and I are just around the corner.
God bless you and your family.
Nancy Wood
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Dear Judy,
I have been thinking of you everyday and holding you close in my heart.
Bill was a wonderful, special man who married a wonderful, special woman and created an extraordinary life together. He will be missed.
Please know I love you.
Nancy W
Joyce A. Moore
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Judy and family...I am so sad for you. I know you will support each other and so will your wealth of friends in your Church and in your community.
Please know that if there is anything I can do for you or help you do, I gladly will.
You don't get over this loss...you just keep on getting through...keep moving...even as you keep remembering all the good times.
You are so kind and good at helping others...those very talents will help you cope.
I also know the Source of your strength is Jesus, your Lord.
May you receive the comfort you need and the reassurance you desire - that we will see our loved ones again. We just have to live and 'manage' until that promise is fulfilled. 🙏🙏🙏
Ann
Sandra Masingill
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Bill, you have been missed at yoga class. Thank you for your gentle ways & manner. I will always remember You & Judy, such a sweet, cute couple; yet a Force.
I need a Bill smile.