Billie Joe Hougland, age 79 of Malvern, died Friday night at St. Joseph 's Hospital in Hot Springs . He was born on January 28, 1930 in Panhandle, Texas to the late Orien Lewis and Mary Etta Merriott Hougland. Reared and educated in Texas , he had been a resident of this area since 1990. Mr. Hougland was a carpenter by trade and enjoyed fishing. He attended the Baptist church.

He is survived by his wife, Irene Hougland of Malvern; by four sons, Jimmy Lee and Jeannine Hougland of Tucson , Arizona , Maurice B. and Denise Hougland of Mesa , Arizona , Phillip J. and Sandy Hougland and Lesly B. Hougland all of Ponce De Leon, Florida; by 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and a large extended family.

Mr. Hougland was also preceded in death by a sister, Bessie Marie Weston.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, October 26, 2009 at eleven o'clock in the Newkirk Cemetery near Jessieville , Arkansas with Brother Frank Pfenenger officiating and under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.