Billie James Mode

December 6, 1931 - April 19, 2018

Bill Mode, 86 of Lakehills, Texas, formerly of Rector, Blytheville, Jonesboro and Paragould passed away on April 19, 2018 at his home in Texas. Bill was the son of Jim and Hazel (Rowlett) Mode. He served our country in the US Army for 23 years. While serving our country he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Recruiter Badge, Good Conduct Medal and Service Stripes plus 2 Oversee Bars. He was a man who loved life and was kind and generous. He used to race Go Carts and did some street racing. He loved watching the Nascar Races. On Sundays after church, his family remembers the “wild goose chases” he would take them on. They piled in the car and just took off. Once they drove from Oklahoma all the way to Texas. You never knew where you were going to end up. He enjoyed putting puzzles together with family members assisting which gave them time to visit. He loved baseball, especially the Cardinals. He worked in a Pizza Parlor early in his marriage and even lost his wedding ring in a pizza, which was never found. He served as a Volunteer Fireman and Ambulance Driver in Rector. He worked for the Cotton Boll Weevil Eradication Program and spotted planes as well as checked the traps. He took classes at the Cotton Boll VoTech College for Auto Mechanics and Heat & Air Condition and even drove a school bus. He worked for Mashburns RV in Jonesboro, delivering 5th Wheels up to Terre Haute, Indiana. Bill was baptised a Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1963. He was ordained as an Elder in 1978 where he then traveled with Reba to the Washington D.C. Temple where they were sealed and became eternal companions. In 1992 he was ordained as a High Priest. In Jonesboro he served faithfully as an executive secretary to his bishop. He and Reba later served 2 Temple Missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One in St. Louis, MO and one in Memphis, TN totalling about 3 ½ to 4 years. He never met a stranger and many may remember him being at Burger King. He ate there every night except on Sunday’s and even twice on Saturday. Whether it was for the good food or the many friends he made while being there, we will never know. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife: Reba (Simpson)Mode, a grandson: Jason Mode,a son-in-law: David Loesch, his brothers: Johnny Mode and Glenn Mode and his sisters: Lena Faye Black and Joy Lou Ward. He is survived by his daughters: Debra Ray of Jonesboro, AR, Beverly Loesch of Hasting, MN and Donna and Joe Forrest of Lakehills, TX, his grandchildren: Derek Forrest of Converse, TX Melanie Parra of Lakehills, TX, Jeffrey Ray of Jonesboro, AR, Katheryn Daniels of Farmington, MN, Lisa Brown of Paragould, AR and great-grandchildren: Kaley Daniels, Robert and Emma Forrest, Benicio and Ruby Parra and Ragen Brown, a brother: Gary Mode, his sisters: Patsy Paxton of Poplar Bluff, MO and Ginger Shelton of Paragould along with many other relatives and friends. Visitation will be Friday, April 27, 2018 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Irby Funeral Home in Rector. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at the Woodland Heights Cemetery. You may sign the online condolence book at www.irbyfuneralhome.com