Billy John Calkin

March 29, 1936 - November 7, 2018

Billy John Calkin, 82, of Bradford, passed away Wednesday, November 7, 2018. He was born March 29, 1936 in Amagon, Arkansas, the son of John and Clara (Bise) Calkin. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force from 1956-1960. He was a Radar Technician. Airman 1st Class Calkin received orders for his last mission and boarded his flight to Airbase Promise Land. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beatrice Evelyine (Kimberling) Calkin; two brothers, Ernest Ray and Robin Calkin; and a grandson, Levi Watson. He is survived by his sister, Betty Faye Cranfill of Mt. View; two sons, Billy George and Johnny Ray Calkin of Bradford; six grandchildren, William Bradley Calkin and wife Ashley of Jacksonville, Misty Dawn Jones and husband Greg of Searcy, Jacqulyn Hickmon, Sarah Solida, Amanda Willis and Cynthia Medlock of Bradford; three great-grandchildren, Destynne Marie Calkin, Madilynn Pearl Calkin, and William River Calkin; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. He was a retired Arkansas State Forrest Ranger. He wore the Smokey Bear Mascot suit and visited all the local schools. Kids were attracted to him like a magnet. They loved him, and he loved kids. He was a pillar to the community in which he lived, helping anyone who asked whether it was a little cash to help someone through a tough time or just someone to talk to when you needed a little sage advice. He will truly be missed by all that knew him. Visitation will be held at the Bradford Memorial Funeral Home Chapel Friday, November 9, 2018 from 6-8 P.M. There will be a Graveside Service at the Coffeyville Cemetery in Possum Grape at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, November 10, 2018. Everyone is asked to please meet at Bradford Memorial Funeral Home at 1:30 P.M. then leave from there in procession to the cemetery. Pastor Charles Jones will preside over the Interment. The family would like to thank all the V.A., Arkansas Hospice and their staff, caregiver, Tonia Fick; nurses, Sandy Toleman R.N., Mandy Tedesche R.N., Rebecca Yauilla R.N., Carolyn Akins R.N., Wanda Steen C.N.A., Debrah Miller C.N.A., and April Wood C.N.A. A big salute to the “Patriot Guard Riders” for their help in honoring a fallen Hero. Those honored to serve as Pallbearers are Jim Williams, Farion Jones, Brad Calkin, Michael Sullins “Trash”, Greg Jones, and Allen Kimberling. Honorary pallbearers are Johnny Ray Calkin, Little Carl Hickmon, Everett McDougal, and R. L. Prestige. Arrangements entrusted to Bradford Memorial Funeral Home of Bradford Memorial Funeral Home of Bradford, Arkansas. www.bradfordmemorial.com