William "Bill" Coleman Westbrook, Sr.

William Coleman Westbrook Sr., known to everyone as Bill, lived a good, long life of almost 97 years and has now passed to the other side to be with his beloved wife June. Bill was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas in 1929 to Estella Coleman Westbrook and William Westbrook and was raised by his grandparents, Essie and Jefferson Duane Coleman. He was a hard-worker from an early age selling eggs for his grandmother, helping Emerson Funeral Home owned by the family of his best friend, later working in a liquor store owned by his mother (though he never had a drink) and doing many things which will remain family-only lore.

Bill Sr., also known as Horsehide Willy, Dad, Pappaw, husband to June, Daddy to Bill and Pam, loving father-in-law to Loretta, Pappaw to Ashley, Madison, Lilly, great-grandfather of Violet and fond companion of Barbara Webb.

He was an incredible husband, father, mentor, successful businessman, climbing partner, handyman and master mechanic with a creative understanding of how things work. As the owner of Boat & Motor Mart, and later also Campers Corner/Alpine Sports, he was known throughout the Memphis area, the entire Mid-South region and the national outdoor sports/boating business community as a savvy and shrewd businessman for over 25 years. Beginning their lives toward being a leader in the boating industry, Bill and June left Jonesboro to own and operate the Kamp Karefree fishing camp on Horseshoe Lake in Hughes, Arkansas. A bare bones beginning which led to him being recognized as one of Johnson Outboard Motors most successful dealers.

He was known as a prolific and entertaining storyteller, enthralling those attending many Boy Scout campfire gatherings, friend get-togethers and even strangers at the Post Office with wild tales of motorcycle rides, climbing trips, stories about his kids and much, much more. One of his favorite sayings, and a truth that he lived by was "...if it doesn't work or fit just right - get a bigger hammer." Many items around the house showed markings of that philosophy. He was also a lover of black Sharpies and Whiteout—freely using them to identify so many heretofore unmarked things - containers, appliances, furniture, tools and even car dash dials.

Bill was a bike rider who loved to sit on the handlebars and ride the bike backwards, a water skier, snow skier, hunter, fisherman, shooter, mountaineer, rock climber, motorcycle rider, backcountry backpacker and family camper. As their kids were growing up, he and June enjoyed taking the family on extended motor home trips all over the country so they could all see as much of our country as they could.

Bill and June sold their businesses in their mid-50’s and retired to Jackson Hole, Wyoming before relocating to the warmer climate of Las Vegas, Nevada. There they had the third home of their dreams and truly enjoyed life to the max.

Following June's passing in 2003, Bill returned to Memphis and Jonesboro enjoying travel and time with Jonesboro school mate Barbara Webb before moving next door to Bill Jr. and his wife Loretta in Cedar City, Utah for the past 6 years.

William C. Westbrook Sr. was man of many facets, interests, hobbies and successes with excellence in all. His greatest success and legacy is his love of family and friends.

He is survived by William C. Westbrook, Jr. and daughter-in-law Loretta Westbrook of Cedar City, Utah; daughter Pam Westbrook of Quantico, VA; Granddaughters Ashley Wynter Westbrook of Sausalito,

California, Madison Westbrook of Seattle, Washington and Lilly with husband Pat and great-granddaughter Violet Cole of Livingston, Montana.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Memphis Memorial Park starting at 10:30 a.m.

To sign an online guestbook please go to www.emersonfuneralhome.com