Billy Ray Westerman, age 71, of Malvern, died unexpectedly Friday afternoon, January 14, 2011. He was born in Malvern on July 15, 1939 to the late E. Sims and Florita "Pete" House Westerman. Reared and receiving his early education in Malvern, he graduated from Malvern High School with the class of 1957. He furthered his studies by attending Arkansas Tech in Russellville. Bill worked for Vulcan/Wabash Materials in Haskell, Arkansas for 28 years. He was a member of the North Malvern Assembly of God Church. A NASCAR enthusiast, Bill was a member of the PT Cruiser Club, enjoyed going to car shows, and loved watching his grandson play football.

He is survived by his wife, Shari Currington Westerman, to whom he was married on June 22, 2002; by three daughters, Lynnae Wilson of Malvern, Reba Westerman of Little Rock, and Charlotte Purifoy (Doug) of Sherwood; by two sisters, Sheila Rose Robinson and her husband Milton (Bill), and Cindy Lou Beason, all of Malvern; by two grandchildren, Kelly Efurd and her husband Stephan, and Kevin Wilson; and by one great-grandson, Michael Efurd.

Bill was also preceded in death by two brothers, Jerry Westerman and Paul Westerman.

His funeral will be ten o'clock on Monday morning, January 17, 2011 at the North Malvern Assembly of God Church with Brothers Paul Grigsby, Roger Wall, LaVon Post, and Doug Purifoy officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Richard Carpenter, Tom Herron, Milton Robinson, Delmus Wright, Carroll Wetherington, and Stephan Efurd.

The family will receive friends at J. A. Funk Funeral Home on Sunday afternoon from four until six o'clock.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.