Billy Joe “Wild Bill” Heath

Billy Joe Heath, of Malvern, Arkansas, passed away on September 6, 2025, at the age of 68. He was born on August 27, 1957, to William Heath and Emer Jean Siders, and lived a life full of grit, laughter, and love. On April 6, 1978, he married the love of his life, Judy Coggins, and they shared more than 30 years together until her passing on May 11, 2009.

Bill was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and a lifelong mechanic who could fix just about anything. His gift for working with his hands was matched only by his generous spirit. He would give you the shirt off his back.

He will be remembered as a kind and loving man with a contagious laugh. He loved fishing, hunting, and tinkering with old cars, especially his beloved Fords. He enjoyed relaxing under his favorite tree with his buddies, pitching horseshoes, firing up a good BBQ, and cheering for the Dallas Cowboys and his Arkansas Razorbacks. He had a soft spot for his dog, Tank, and a fierce love for his grandkids.

Bill also found joy in building and flying RC planes. And was a true American Picker where he would bring his finds to Petit Jean Swap Meet. More than anything, his greatest happiness came from time spent with family.

Bill is survived by his children: Angie (Anthony) Gaston, Bobby (Tonya) Heath, and Clinton Millage. He was the proud grandfather of Kaitlyn (Hal) Goad, Ashton (Tara) Heath, Austin Heath, Chloe Morrissey, Levi Grandon, Claire Gaston, and Elijah Gaston, and the great-grandfather of Harrison and Tatum Goad.

He is also survived by his siblings: Tommy Heath, Danny Heath, Shereal Suggs, and Geraldine Pilcher; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Leonard Siders and Jimmy Heath, along with his beloved wife, Judy.

Bill’s legacy will live on through the love he poured into his family and the laughter he left with all who knew him.

Services will be held at Rockport Memorial Gardens Cemetery 10am on Friday, September 12, 2025. Celebration of life will be held in his back yard (300 Broadway) Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 12p.m. until we're done.

Funeral services under the direction of Atkinson Funeral Home in Malvern, Arkansas. Online condolences can be made at www.atkinsonfuneralhome.net