Billy Gene Hastings, age 95, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Friday, January 13, 2023, at Twin Rivers Health and Rehabilitation Center in Arkadelphia. 

He was born May 6, 1927, in Laneburg, the son of the late James William and Ollie Mae Bowen Hastings.  Billy graduated from Chidester High School.  He retired from Reynolds Metals Company and Pastored numerous churches in Arkansas throughout his career.  Billy was the associate pastor at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arkadelphia at his death.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking in his free time.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife of 58 years, Rebecca Dempsey Hastings; his second wife of 15 years, Esther Thrasher Hastings; son-in-law, Jackie Yancey; granddaughter, Jina Moore; great-granddaughter, Reagan Hatcher; two brothers, Matt and Winford; and five sisters, Cleo, Clemmie, Mattie Lee, Maudie and Bobbie.

Survivors are one son, Donald Gene Hastings (Mary) of Moro; step-son, Jimmy Thrasher (Joyce) of Gurdon; two daughters, Glenda Sue Yancey of Cabot and Dianna Lynn Parten (Ralph) of Nashville, Tenn.; step-daughter, Kathy Freeman (Phillip) of Sparkman; special family friend, Juanita Williams; eight grandchildren, Jimmy Don Hastings, Barry Hastings, Kim Dickerson, Jaclyn Knopp, Carrie Moore, Mandy Hall, Monica Walker and Rhonda Hatcher; 17 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, January 16, 2023, at Cornerstone Baptist Church with Bro. Larry Newsome officiating. 

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until service time Monday at the church.

Memorials may be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church or Inspirational Country Music Association.  (inspirationalCountrymusic.com)

Interment will be in Bluff City Cemetery.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.  Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.