William D. "Bill" Carmack's Obituary
William D. “Bill” Carmack, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away unexpectedly on June 16, 2026, at Washington Regional Medical Center. He was born on April 5, 1944, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Dennis Carmack and Ruth Oliver Carmack.
Bill graduated from Fort Smith High School in 1962 and went on to earn a degree in Computer Science from the University of Tulsa. He dedicated more than 40 years to Arkansas’s rural electric cooperative industry, serving at Ozarks Electric Cooperative in Fayetteville, Woodruff Electric Cooperative in Forrest City, and Carroll Electric Cooperative in Bentonville.
Throughout his career, Bill earned the respect of colleagues across the electric cooperative community. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he devoted countless hours to civic service, serving on numerous boards, committees, and community organizations. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a proud member of the Fayetteville Elks Lodge.
Bill was a passionate Razorback fan who rarely missed a game. He especially enjoyed texting his brothers during games to analyze and critique every play. Their running commentary became affectionately known as “Ask the Carmacks.” He also looked forward each year to the beloved “Carmack Retreat” at Lake Tenkiller, where his siblings and old classmates gathered to laugh, tell stories, and make memories together.
Some of Bill’s happiest years were spent on Beaver Lake. Nearly every weekend found him aboard his houseboat, The Oaklawn Queen, docked on “Bourbon Street” at Rocky Branch Marina, surrounded by family and friends. Bill also loved golf and treasured the many golf trips he shared with close friends. Those who played alongside him knew they could usually count on him to drive it straight down the middle and sink the putt when it mattered most.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Brenda Gayer Carmack; his daughters, Cathy Kirk of Fayetteville and Angie Simmermon and husband Randall of Bentonville; his stepsons, Travis Garton and wife Polly of Fayetteville, and Jason Garton and wife Amber of Fayetteville.
He was a proud and devoted “Pops” to his grandchildren: Ashley Barba and husband Franco of Kansas, Oklahoma; Emily Kirk of Fayetteville; Steven Simmermon and wife Josie of Conway; Jay Simmermon of Bentonville; Isabel and Charlie Garton of Fayetteville; and Stella and Vivi Garton of Fayetteville. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Taylin Marchand, Liam Barba, Viviana Barba, and Ellieana Barba of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Blakely Kirk and Zaylee Green of Fayetteville.
Bill is also survived by his sister, Nancy Bland of Ft Smith; brothers Gary Carmack and wife Susan of Fort Smith, John Carmack and wife Lynn of Fayetteville, and Jim Carmack and wife Clarissa of Colorado; along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
He will also be deeply missed by his loyal companions: his “Velcroed” buddy Big Boy Ben; his “snuggle buddy,” Larry; and his special grandpup, Rigby.
A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held on July 8, 2026, at Beaver Lake. A brief service will begin at 2:00 p.m., followed by lunch. The gathering will be held outdoors, and guests are encouraged to wear casual, comfortable attire.
10092 Jim’s Trail
Rogers, AR 72756
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
Fayetteville Animal Services
1640 S. Armstrong Avenue
Fayetteville, AR 72701
479-444-3458
Bill will be remembered for his generosity, sense of humor, unwavering love for family and friends, and the countless lives he touched throughout his years of service, fellowship, and friendship.
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