Willie Gene “Bill” Saeler, age 92, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026.

He was born in Kingsland, Arkansas to Willie Van Saeler and Lola Parthene McCoy Saeler.

There’s much to be said about the life and legacy of Willie Gene, most affectionately know as Bill. To know him was to love him. Bill was a God-fearing, devoted husband, father figure and friend to everyone he met. There are no words to truly describe the man he was. He never met a stranger. If you ever had the honor of meeting him, you’d never forget him. He loved God, his family and playing his guitar. He loved playing music with family and friends, but most importantly, he loved playing to glorify his Lord and Savior. He was a faithful member of Kingsland Assembly of God Church where he served on the board for many years. He loved his church. It wasn’t just a church for him, it was family.

He was a Kingsland High School graduate and went on to sell insurance for many years before owning a logging businesss from which he retired. Aside from work, he had many passions. Whether he was fishing, camping, picking his guitar, “pulling your leg” or chasing ducks on Lake DeGray, he approached everything with strength, dignity, love and compassion. There was never a dull moment when you were with him. He loved with everything in him. His family was always his greatest pride. He was always ready to tell a story from the good ole days and share his wisdom and advice to anyone. He was compassionate, caring, and always used humor to try to keep things light when hearts were heavy.

Saeler is survived by two daughters, Gloria Jean Saeler Cox (Bennie) of Fordyce, AR and Patti Lynn Saeler Reeves of Camden, AR; two bonus daughters, Pamela Kay Saeler Glein (Dave) of Oak Harbor, WA and Kenya Lea Saeler-Hufty Wilhite ((Marty) of Branson, MO; three grandchildren, Kobi Rene Reeves (Scott) of Magnolia, Melanie Gail Phillips of New Edinburg, AR and Matthew Steven Reeves (Sharon) of Camden, AR; six great-grandchildren, Haylee Reid of Hot Springs, AR, Clayton Saeler Reid of Magnolia, AR, Kade Smith of Warren, AR, Austin Faunce (Daphne) of Stuttgart, AR, Ronnie Reeves and Scarlett Reeves of Camden, AR.; one great-great-grandson, Ryder Faunce of Stuttgart, AR; one new found family member, trusted friend and angel in disguise, Dianne Ferguson of Kingsland, AR; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his beautiful high school sweetheart and wife, Phyllis Louise Clowers Saeler; parents, Willie Van and Lola Parthene Saeler; son, Larry DeWayne Saeler; brother, Kenneth Leon Saeler, as well as Bill’s special friend, Rita Holder.

Saeler’s lessons on building character and showing kindness to all will never be forgotten. He was resilient and had the ability to use humor in every situation of life. His integrity stands alone. These are the things that will live on through all who knew him. His life and legacy is much more than a few words written. It was a life of leading by example, allowing God to guide each step. We already miss you.

Visitation was Thursday, April 2, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Benton Funeral Home. Graveside services were Friday, April 3, at 10:00 a.m. at Camp Springs Cemetery with Bro. Joe Lee Poss and Bro. Scott Reeves officiating.

Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce was in charge of arrangements.