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4500 Jenny Lind Road
Fort Smith, AR | 72901
479-646-5555
700 Jefferson St.
Van Buren, AR | 72956
479-474-2523
William Cheyne
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Ocker-Putman Funeral Homes
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
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Condolences

Condolence From: Harold P. Jones
Condolence: Brother Bill will always have a special place in my heart. HPJ
Friday July 05, 2019
Condolence From: William a Cheyne Jr
Condolence: Jason's reading from service on July 16

Preacher, Teacher, Father, Grandfather
Celebrating the life of a truly Righteous Man
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
The Apostle Paul, upon sensing his days were drawing to a close, penned this verse as a first-person epithet. What strikes me about this verse is the humility it reveals in the character of the greatest teacher the world has or will ever know. Staring death in the eye, Paul chose not to reflect on his education, his travels, or his extensive literary accomplishments. Instead, he acknowledged that his greatest legacy was a life of service, keeping to the principles laid out by the Lord, and seeing that service to its end. As evidenced by the many great preachers who have come and gone since Paul, humility and selfless devotion to the Lord’s service are common traits found in the best of those who practice Paul’s most honorable craft, including Grandad Cheyne.
With that sense of humility, I’m sure Grandad Cheyne will blush as those closest to him speak of the many accolades heaped upon him throughout his life over the coming days. His service in the military, educational accomplishments, churches who prized his guidance and fellowships that flourished under his leadership. That is what we mere mortals are left with when a truly righteous man has completed his life of service. When the tender touch of their guiding hand is no longer available to lead us through the dark and stormy nights, we must remember their teachings by celebrating all that they have accomplished and use the life they have led as a moral compass, shedding a light on the path their example has taught us to take.
So, in that spirit of celebration, I have a story to share. It is a story familiar to those closest to Grandad Cheyne but relived through the lens of a wonderous life altered by the heroic and yet everyday actions of a loving man. Although it will lack the corny jokes and the laugh often signaling the end of one of Grandad Cheyne’s stories, it is one that we should all aspire to imitate. It is a story of a single mom with a rambunctious son given shelter, but more importantly, purpose when life’s road was veiled in fog. Through the loving embrace of a Preacher and a church, two lives were introduced to Christ and the love and community a church provides. Through patience practiced during exhaustive interrogation during children’s sermons, the Teacher guided the unruly child along the path to Christ and taught by example how to encourage curiosity. The Father welcomed these two strangers into his family in the same way he welcomed them into the church, giving of his most treasured asset to these two wanderers so that the single mom and unruly child could have a Father to provide Love and guidance. And this is where the story gets exciting. You see, the bible tells us that a “Good man leaves his inheritance to his children’s children.”, I can attest that the inheritance is much greater than any riches or gold. Granddad raised a son who guided his sons down a path of honesty, integrity, patience, humility, respect, and most importantly Love. While I may still be that unruly child at heart and veer from the path first exposed by the Preacher so many years ago, I know I only need to look to my Grandfather’s son today for that light to guide me back. So, while the mood is somber, and we remember all the accomplishments of a man so great, I will celebrate that such a man was placed on this Earth and give thanks to God for providing the light that has impacted my life so dearly. You fought the good fight, You finished the race, You kept the faith, and Grandad Cheyne, you accomplished so much more……


Thanks, Jason from Dad and Grandpa Cheyne
Wednesday July 18, 2018
Condolence From: Tina Major and Zona Major
Condolence: We are sorry to hear of your loss. This is a difficult time for your family and we hope that it comforts you a little to know that others care. With heartfelt thoughts from the Early Birds at the HSC gym.
Monday July 16, 2018
Condolence From: Rebecca Harrison Rather
Condolence: I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Rev. Cheyne. He was such a comfort in the funerals of both my parents, F. Jean and Lillian Harrison. He touched so many lives. Prayers to the family.
Sunday July 15, 2018
Condolence From: Gary and Rhonda Cheyne
Condolence: I'll always have wonderful memories of uncle Bill. The spirited conversations he would have with Dad and uncle John were priceless. They meet in Heaven and the joy of each others company continues forever.
Saturday July 14, 2018
Condolence From: Anne and Mike Lund
Condolence: Oh, Stan and family. We think of you. What a good role-model for fathers he must have been. RIP
Saturday July 14, 2018
Condolence From: David and Carolyn Wilson
Condolence: Prayers for the family. Bill was a friend, a pastor/leader who was respected by laity and pastors. He left an indelible mark in many lives.
Friday July 13, 2018
Condolence From: Lana Dice Van Giesen
Condolence: He was much loved and respected. Great memories of working with him in Booneville as youth director. He will be missed but remembered with love and a smile.
Friday July 13, 2018
Condolence From: Randy Blythe
Condolence: I am so sad of Bill's passing, but I know he is having a ball greeting many old friends!! He was always one of my favorite people to see each Sunday, Always so bright and chipper!! My Prayers are with you!!
Friday July 13, 2018

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