Billy Dean Stair Sr.

Billy D. Stair Sr. age 79 of Jacksonville (formerly of Batesville) died Sunday, March 29, 2015 at a Little Rock hospital. He was born June 17, 1935 at Desha, Arkansas to Clarence Otto and Priscilla (Slayden) Stair. Mr. Stair enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952 where he served honorably for four years before enlisting in the United States Air Force as a member of the Strategic Air Command stationed at Whiteman AFB Missouri, Ramey AFB Puerto Rico, and Thule, Greenland. Upon completion of his Air Force enlistment, he joined the United States Army, where he completed Paratrooper, Air Assault and Special Forces training. Subsequent to training, he served with distinction as a Noncommissioned Officer in the military’s elite 7th Special Forces Group, Green Berets, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His Army overseas assignments included tours in Thailand and Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Stair’s military awards included the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and two Presidential Unit Citations. He was awarded and proudly wore the Army Paratrooper, Air Assault and Pathfinder Badges. Mr. Stair’s 18 years of military service concluded with retirement in May 1970. After retirement, Mr. Stair enjoyed fishing with his son Billy III, playing golf and rooting for the Green Bay Packers. His dedication to family and country exemplifies a life well enjoyed. He was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters, Delores Smith, Wanda L. Smith and Vhanita Pearson. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Clara Taylor Stair of the home; two sons, Billy Stair Jr. and Billy Stair III both of Jacksonville; three brothers, Ron Stair of Batesville, Don Stair of Searcy and Gary Stair of Deltona, Florida; two grandchildren, Christian Stair of Carlisle and Abbye Dawn Stair of Austin; two sisters-in-law, Hazel Dawn Loggains and Audrey Mozelle Eddings both of Batesville; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be Thursday, April 2, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Qualls Batesville Funeral Service Chapel in Batesville with Cliff Hutchins officiating. Burial will follow in the Macedonia Cemetery located at Drasco with arrangements by Qualls Batesville Funeral Service of Batesville. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 1, 2015 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.