Billy James Fondren Sr., 66, of Alma, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2023 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was a migrant farm worker and a member of Kibler Baptist Church, where he was baptized. He loved hunting, fishing, and being with his family. Billy was born April 13, 1957 in Fort Smith, AR to the late Buster Fondren Sr. and Etta Mae (Beavers) Fondren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Buster and Etta Mae Fondren Sr.; wife, Anita Fondren (Adams;) daughter, Jamie Lee Fondren; brothers, Prince Wayne Fondren, Perry Lynn Fondren; sisters, Eula Mae Huffman (Sissie;) and nephew, Jerry Wayne Fondren.

A direct burial will be held at Gill Cemetery in Kibler, Arkansas under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home of Alma. He is survived by his partner of 40 years, Lisa Kilpatrick of the home; sons, Billy James Fondren Jr. of Booneville, AR; Buster Roy Fondren and wife Keisy of Van Buren, AR, Raymond Bo Allen Fondren of Alma, AR, Petrie Lee Ray Fondren of Alma; daughters, Nita Jean Hughes of Alma, AR, Lisa Marie Etta Alpha of Wayne, OK, Deronda Rachell Dawn Shavalier and husband Troy of Alma, AR; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers, Buster Fondren Jr., Charles Henry Fondren; sisters, Mary Helen Blackshear, Carolyn Sue Meridth, Linda Jean Casebolt, Betty Ann Moppin, Donna Lucile Smith, and Georgia Marie Swackhammer.