William Kenneth “Stud” Gills, age 88, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, in his sleep at his home.  He was born October 25, 1934, in the Southfork community, the son of the late Joseph Woodson Gills and Lois Dessie (Norman).

Kenneth was a retired Superintendent and a living legend in the gas and pipeline industry where he worked for over sixty years. He was member of Local 798 Pipe Fitters Union out of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and an operating engineer with IUOE Local #624 out of Little Rock. Kenneth purchased Stuckey’s Shell in Arkadelphia in 2009 where he could drink coffee and converse with others. A member of South Fork Baptist Church he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and horse racing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Sara Ann (Ewing), four brothers, Wendall, Billy Harold, Wayne, Jimmy Dale Gills, three sisters, Gloria Berndobler, Annette Milloway (Bill), and Sue Earnest.

Survivors are one daughter, Carolyn Gills of Arkadelphia and one son, Kenneth Scott Gills of Arkadelphia.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday May 15, 2023, Southfork Baptist Church with Pastor Mike Martin officiating.

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

Interment will be in South Fork Cemetery.

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