Billy Wayne French of Newark, Arkansas, departed this life on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 in Batesville, at the age of 48. He was born March 15, 1968 in Newport, the son of Bill and Dorothy (Wells) French.

Billy attended vocational school, focusing on Architectural Design, and later worked as a long distance truck driver.

He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and rebuilding cars. He loved being on the water, and spending time on float trips. Billy was quite talented at woodworking, crafting, and quilting. His greatest joy was time spent with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Dorothy French; one sister, Patricia French; and a great-nephew, Timothy Joseph Chadwick.

Billy is survived by his fiancé, Laura Peer; one son, Christopher Peer and wife, Leigh, of Cave City; one daughter, Allison Elizabeth Peer of Newark; one sister, Janet Burroughs of Damascus; one half-brother, Roy French of Indiana; one grandchild, Sean Peer; two nieces, Patricia Chadwick and Evelyn Burroughs, of Damascus; and a lifetime of friends.

Memorial services are 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Earl Stoner officiating.

Honorary pallbearers are Bennie Eaves, Dennis Gay, Ronnie Freeman, Patrick McCord, and Roy French.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Arkansas Hospice for their loving care of Billy.

Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.