Billy Ed Stilwell, of Benton and formerly a long time resident of Malvern, died Wednesday, November 28 in Benton. He was born September 6, 1931 to Elliot Edmond and Alice Dawson Stilwell in Blue, OK (Bryan County) and was the youngest of six children.

Stilwell is predeceased by his parents; three brothers:  Hubert, Wesley, and Jenner; and two sisters: Thelma Ross and Mabel Farrell.  He is survived by his wife, Glenda Trantham Stilwell of Benton; one daughter, Jennifer and husband William E. (Eddie) Paul, Jr. of Jacksonville, one son Jim Ed and wife Laura Roberson Stilwell of Benton. He is also survived by five grandchildren:  Jason Paul, James Paul (Erin), Katie Bloodworth (Russell), Hunter Stilwell (Hannah), and Leslie Dunn (Hunter); and four great grandchildren:  Ellen Bloodworth, Teddy Bloodworth, Scottlyn Stilwell, and Eloise Dunn.

The native of Bryan County Oklahoma graduated from Blue High School in the spring of 1950 and received his bachelor of science in business from Southeastern State College (currently Southeastern Oklahoma State University) in 1958.   After high school graduation, Stilwell served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1952 - 1953.  Upon exiting active duty, he joined the US Army Reserves from 1953 - 1960. During his reserve service, he married the former Glenda Trantham of Durant, on September 16, 1955.

Stilwell found his calling while working at the Durant Daily Democrat newspaper advertising department in Durant Oklahoma, from 1958 - 1959. In 1960 he moved his family to Ardmore, OK where he worked in the advertising department of the Daily Ardmorite newspaper until 1968. In August of that year, co-owners of the Malvern Daily Record newspaper hired Stilwell to manage the Malvern, Arkansas publication.

By 1969, Stilwell became a third-party owner of the Malvern Daily Record where he remained in a management position. He eventually became publisher and stayed there until 1982, at which time he retired.

In retirement, Stilwell occupied his time working as director for the Malvern Chamber of Commerce for seven years.  He also worked part time for Teeter Motors in Malvern for many years before moving to Benton.

Stilwell was passionate about community service and was a long-time member of the Lions Club International, was on the board of what is now known as College of the Ouachitas from 1999 - 2012, and was a deacon at First Baptist Church in Malvern.  He enjoyed playing country and gospel music, fishing and keeping an immaculate yard.

Memorial service will be held Sunday, December 2, 2018 at 3 p.m., preceded by visitation to be held at 2 p.m., both of which will be in the First Baptist Church sanctuary in Malvern. Dr. Cliff Springer will officiate. Donations may be made to the Lions Club International, to Calvary Baptist Church, Benton or to the First Baptist Church building fund in Malvern.

Services are under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home of Malvern.

Online condolences may be sent via www.jafunkfuneralhome.com .