Dr. William “Bill” Dale Alvarez, 65, of West Fork died Sunday, January 4, 2015 in Fayetteville. He was born July 30, 1949 in Call, TX. to Manuel and Frances Papania Alvarez.
He began his career as a teacher and a coach. A career highlight of his was five years of coaching football at Elkins High School during the 70’s. He closed-out his coaching career by playing for the state championship at Garrison, TX. in 1981.
He was in education 43 years having served in public schools as a teacher and administrator and five universities as a professor and university administrator. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with an EdD.
His chosen field of work and education remained constant. He believed that educators and those associated with education must be committed to: work hard with a constant giving of self and time; believe in self and those you trust as leaders; be committed to your beliefs; behave in an ethical manner; and model your ethics and values.
Preceded in death by his father, Manuel Alvarez; a brother, George Alvarez; and a sister, Terresa Maddox.
He is survived by his mother, Frances Alvarez; two sons, Scott Anthony and William “Brad” Alvarez, both of West Fork; daughter, Laurie Ann Watson of North Little Rock; brother, Mark Alvarez of West Fork; sister, Lola Jordon of Greenland; and grandson, Austin Watson of North Little Rock.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 10, 2015 at Beard’s Chapel with L.V. Vickery officiating.
Memorials may be made to the Washington County Animal Shelter.
Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel and Crematory.
I will always remember Mr. Alvarez as inspiring leader as high school principal my senior year at Saint Paul. Always a smile with positive words of encouragement. We need more educators like him. He will be missed. Rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to Bill’s family. I worked with Bill at Nova Southeastern University and always admired his dedication to our students. He worked tirelessly to ensure students, faculty and staff were supported and provided with the utmost respect.
David
Bill was not just my boss but a friend. He will be missed and for those who knew him we were blessed. May he rest in peace.
Bill was my friend, and I loved him more than words can say! He always treated everyone with respect, and I greatly admired his teaching ability, as well as his genuine love of people. I have such fond memories of the years we worked together, especially of the time we were in Athens together – along with my friend Berneise, who recently died, too. Bill never met a stranger, and I am grateful to have had his friendship. Please accept my condolences in the loss of your loved one!
My deepest condolences on the loss of a man I admired very much. Bill was instrumental in mentoring and guiding young and old. I remember him with great fondness! His “dadgum” personality was delightful. He was positive, kind, thoughtful, innovative, and a risk-taker. I missed his vibrancy after he left the south Florida area, but I know he appreciated his roots in the south. I hope his family will find consolation in knowing that he truly made a “difference” in the many lives he touched and in the field of education. Bill gave of himself in so many ways, and I am blessed to have known him. Rest in peace dear friend!
My deepest condolences to Bill’s family. Rest in peace, my friend.
Bill made a significant impact on my life at Nova University. His leadership and focus were impressive. His effect on the many Educational Leadership students are being felt around the country and the world. Rest in peace.
As a student on Coach Alvarez first year as coach at Elkins High he made a great impact on my life and how to handle life situations. He will be greatly missed on this earth. My sincere condolences goes out to the Family. May God Bless all!
Dr. Alvarez was my supervisor for a short period of time within the time that he supervised me he treated me with respect and love. Dr. Alvarez always have a smile on his face and a positive word to share. He will surely be missed my sincere condolences goes out to the family. We cry now because our heart will miss a loving and cheerful person but the memories that he left behind we will us to get through each day.
Bill, you were the “best boss” – we ‘done good work together.’ Thanks for the many memories. I think of you and smile….
Kathy
Bill Alvarez was a good teacher and mentor and did much during his tenure at Nova Southeastern University. I will remember his kindness, sense of responsibility and good nature. It was a pleasure to have known and worked with him. Thank you Bill. You will be missed.
Dr. Alvarez was a great teacher and wonderful friend. I’m very blessed to have known him. I will miss him dearly. My condolences to the family, may he rest in peace.
Dr. Bill Alvarez you will be missed by so many! My Thoughts and Prayers go out to the entire Alvarez Family, I am glad I had the chance to know Bill as my principal at Pea Ridge High school and as a father to my dear friend Scott.
Thank you all for the many condolences. He loved his work and the many people he worked with. I really appreciate you all for posting your fond memories of dad. God bless you all
Bill was a wonderful leader and a wonderful friend. He will be missed.
There were times I loved being with Coach A and times I hated him. He was very hard on me my sophomore year in football. I couldn’t do anything to please him. As I grew older, and wiser, I realized he had made me mentally tough. I learned to adapt and overcome. The lesson he gave me that year prepared me for life. It was the potential he saw in me and he knew how to get it out of me. He made me get tough as life is tough. I visited with him a few years ago, in his home. I enjoyed that hour of his life. My heartfelt condolences to his family. He was a great teacher.
I had the priviledge of working with Bill in (1984-1985) School Year at St. Paul Schools. I was the Secretary/Bookkeeper for Mr. Danny Patrick. Bill was our principal. He was a great principal. He aways had a smile for everyone he can in contact with. I wish we could have had him longer but he moved on to greater things. I also had the priviledge of working with his mom (Frances) at Mexican Original in (1980-1981) and now my working with his niece (Heather). Just a great family that has touched my life in many ways.
My thoughts and prayers are with all the family at this time.
A great man passed on his greatness to us all. May the Lord comfort all of you at this hard time. Sincerely, Scott Smith.
My son, Scott C Smith, Elkins graduate (1981), played football for Coach Alvarez. Our family became acquainted with this fine man, and grew to respect his special gift with young men of high energy, but low common sense. He brought order and discipline to a group of young people that, in my estimation, gave them life skills…even if they did not know that at the time. We are sorry to hear of his passing. Dear family, please know that many of us who were blessed by Coach’s walk on this earth, will always have some funny, and warm memories. God will replace loss with peace and overwhelming love. God bless you. Suzanne Smith Wall, Elkins, AR (1988)
Just learned of Coach Alvarez’s passing and am sad for all his family and loved ones. I knew Bill in the 1977-1979 in Elkins. He had a great laugh and demeanor. He was a kind and genuine human being.
I am so sorry. My thoughts are with you and praying right now for strength and peace for you.
I worked with Bill, for years at Nova Southeastern University, as well as Walden University. I always counted on him as a professional, but more important, as a friend. We had many hours laughing and sharing stories. I shall always remember him.
Maria M. Shelton
Education, as well as his friends and family, have lost a hero.
Im so sorry to hear of my dear friend, Bills passing, RIP my sweet friend! Met in ft lauderdale and kept in touch till 2014, lost contact!
My condolences to his mum, whom I’ve met and his kids he spoke of often! He loved you all, so very much! He was so kind to my parents.loved you Bill.