Billy Charles Molton

Billy Charles Molton, age 75, of Cecil, Arkansas passed away Saturday, April 29, 2023 at his home in Cecil after an extended illness. He was born on January 5, 1948 in Paris, Arkansas to Athal Eskel and Christal Boren Molton. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Brent Chad Molton; one granddaughter, Piper Elise Shankle; four brothers, Fay, Gene, Harvey, and James Molton; and one sister, Louise Gattis. Bill was a member of the Cecil United Methodist Church where he faithfully attended for many, many years and was a 1966 graduate of County Line High School. After graduation he attended Arkansas Valley Vocational School and graduated from the Auto Body class. On August 10, 1967 he married his high school sweetheart, Lynda Andrews Molton. Five months after they were married Bill was drafted into the United States Army. He completed Basic and AIT Training in Ft. Bliss, Texas before going to Vietnam for 15 months. Bill received the Army Commendation Medal/Vietnam Service with one Silver Service Star, Sharpshooter Badge with Auto Rifle and Rifle Bars, Meritorious Unit Commendation and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit citation with Palm Service. After returning home from Vietnam, Bill and Lynda began their family. He spent most of his life as owner and operator of Bill Molton Body Shop in Cecil. He set the standards of his business high and took much pride in his work. He would never send a vehicle to a customer that he was not totally and completely satisfied with or would be proud to drive himself. In 1990, he began working as a firefighter at Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas where he spent 10 years. Bill and Lynda were also the owners/operators of Molton’s Grocery in Cecil for approximately 10 years. Bill continued working in his body shop for the public until finally retiring due to health issues in the late 90’s. After retiring, he was in the process of restoring his 1946 Ford Coupe that he drove while dating Lynda. He spent many hours on this vehicle in hopes of completing it and driving it once again. Bill’s biggest enjoyment was watching and attending NHRA drag racing. He was known by many as “Hot Rod Bill” or “Bondo Bill;” names that fit him perfectly to the very end. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lynda Andrews Molton; three sons, Billy Chaun Molton and wife Karen of Cecil, Heath Molton and wife Liz of Cecil and Gunnar Molton and wife Randa of Charleston, Arkansas; one daughter, Misti Shankle and husband Trey of Ozark, Arkansas. Bill was the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren; twins, Chad and Chase Molton, Logan, Billy Chaun, Zander, and Kylah Molton, Griffin and Harper Shankle and Keira Blodgett; one great grandson, Randall Kash Molton and one on the way, Jude Nathaniel Taylor. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 2, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Shaffer Funeral Home Chapel, 2315 W. Commercial on Ozark. Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at the Cecil United Methodist Church with Dale Richardson and Windi Acord officiating with burial at Cecil Cemetery under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Charlie Dunham, Randall George, Dawayne George, Bobby Sewell, Benny Lowrey and James McFerren. Honorary pallbearers are Dempsey White, Marty Capps, Hoss McDonnor, Richard Ramsey, Tommy Blevins and J.R. Keele. To leave and online memorial visit www.shafferfuneralhomeweb.com

Billy Charles Molton

January 5, 1948 - April 29, 2023