William Byars Sockwell

William Byars Sockwell, 92, of North Little Rock passed away Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 at Conway Rehabilitation and Nursing Home. He was born November 30th, 1918 in Pecan Gap, Texas, the son of Willie Maud Day Sockwell and James Thomas Sockwell. He grew up on a farm with nine sisters and one brother. Mr. Sockwell was appointed educational adviser in the Eighth Corp Area when he was 22 years old. He was with the 7th Army under the command of General Patch in France between Hagenall and Strasbourg during World War II. He was First Lieutenant Field Artillery of the 938th Field Artillery Battalion. He received the Air Medal award for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flights as air observation Pilot during the period 29 January to 20 March 1945 in France and Germany. After World War II, he returned home to North Little Rock, Arkansas. He and his father-in-law the late M.S. McCord operated the Malco Theater circuit in Arkansas and Tennessee. In 1952, he became Vice President of United Theaters, Inc. in Clarksville, Conway, Helena, Hope, Hot Springs, Morrilton, Pine Bluff and North Little Rock. He later started an Independent Life Insurance Co. in North Little Rock and retired in 1984. He was married to Sara Patricia McCord Sockwell for 64 years. She was the love of his life, William also known as "Poppy" was known for his authenticity and great sense of humor. He was a brilliant man with a big heart. Mr. Sockwell was preceded in death by his wife, Sara Patricia McCord Sockwell; his parents, Willie Maud Day Sockwell and James Thomas Sockwell; eight sisters: Glades Fielding, Mattie McDonnald, Ruby Smith, Grace Avery, Thelma Lay, Faye Richardson, Mogelle Massad and Tomy Day Wilhite. He is survived by his brother, Wayne Sockwell of Commerce, Texas; his son, William McCord Sockwell and daughter-in-law Valorie of Fayetteville, Arkansas; a daughter, Patricia Hardin of Franklin, Tennessee; a daughter Sally Ann Sockwell of New York City, New York; grandchildren, Dr. Chris Hardin, Sally Kuhn, Emily Sutterfield, Peter Sockwell, Elizabeth Sockwell; and five great-grandchildren. A private family service will be held on Saturday, May 21st, 2011 at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home 7724 Landers Rd., North Little Rock, Ark. 72117 (501) 835-3515. Memorials may be made to Serenity Park, Inc. To view Mr. Sockwell's online tribute please visit www.griffinleggettresthills.com.