Bill D. Etter of Jonesboro passed away peacefully on Friday, November 14, 2025.

He was born in Jonesboro on November 11, 1943 to Leslie and Pauline Etter. He recently celebrated his 82nd birthday while enjoying his favorite sweet treats and watching the Hogs game with his wife and family.

Bill had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge from the start, and was an avid reader throughout his life. He graduated from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Economics. He then earned his Juris Doctorate Degree from University of Arkansas Law School. He was on the Dean’s List at both schools, receiving many honors and awards. He served as Editor-in-Chief of the Arkansas Law Review, Secretary of the Student Bar Association, and was a member of the Phi Eta Sigma Scholastic Honorary Society and the Phi Delta Law Fraternity.

His lifelong career as an attorney, as well as his professional affiliations and volunteerism was, to say the least, commendable. From Law Clerk at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. focused on research and investigation in education and housing sections of the Civil Rights Division, to Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Little Rock, to Deputy Attorney General for the State of Arkansas, to Administrative Law Judge, to President of Legal and Advocacy Services of Arkansas, and Arkansas Volunteer Lawyer for the Elderly. His knowledge, altruism and guidance were the foundation of his life.

Words cannot express how much Bill was loved and treasured. He was humble, gracious and generous. His words and hugs were comforting and his sly sense of sarcasm always made us laugh. He loved his wife immensely. He was an extremely proud father and grandfather. The impact he had on our families, and on the countless others he represented, will live on.

Bill is survived by his wife Sarita Bolton Etter. Together they loved road trips, family vacations, classic movies, rooting for the Razorbacks, and especially spending time with their children and grandchildren. Bill also leaves behind his son Robert Etter (Mel) of London, UK; and daughters Amy Hart (Kevin) of Jonesboro, and Michelle Dayton of Pittsburg, KS.; grandchildren Colton Hart (Haylee) and Logan Hart (Hannah) both of Jonesboro; and Conner Dayton and Meaghan Dayton both of Fayetteville; siblings Bob Etter (Darlene), Karen Nicholson, Sharon Goodman, Gary Etter (Emily), Mike Etter (Linda), Rhonda Etter Clairday; brother-in-law Dick Bolton (Kathy); as well as nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, sister Ruby Hinson and her husband Larry, brother Wayne Etter, and brother-in-law Bill Goodman.

At Bill’s request no services will be held. He willed his body to the Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, thus contributing to medical education and research to help others.

The family expresses gratitude to the physicians and caregivers at St. Bernards Medical Center and kindly requests donations to the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House.

Online guestbook: www.emersonfuneralhome.com