Francis William “Bill” Roebke, August 8, 1952~April 4, 2026

Apr 7, 2026

Francis William “Bill” Roebke, 73, of West Fork, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, surrounded by family, friends, and his favorite songs.

Bill was born on August 8, 1952, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Robert and Verna Roebke. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Lisa Williford; his in-laws, J.W. and Betty Kay Smith; and his sister-in-law, Paula Davis.

On September 7, 1984, Bill married the love of his life, Julene Roebke, and together they built a life centered around love, laughter, family, and tradition.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Julene; his sons, Rob (Tracy), David (Nikki), and Jesse (Shanna); his sister, Barbara Wintch (Tom); brothers-in-law, Danny Williford (Therese) and Jimmy Davis; sisters-in-law, Rita Smith (Guido) and Abbie Tomlinson (Mike); and his cherished grandchildren, Cody Roebke (Taylor), Ryan Roebke (Mykala), Laney Roebke, Giovanni DiCamillo, Jamison Sells, Ataleigh Roebke (Tyler), Rylan Gosnell, Ferris Sells, and Jude Sells.

He is also survived by his nieces, Stephanie Wintch (Jeff), Kayla Matthews (James), and Katie Fabrizio (Tim); his nephews, Doug Tennison, Jered Tomlinson, Joey Wintch (Jessica), Tim Wintch (Jacqueline), Fr. Tim Williford, and Ryan Williford (Sarah); as well as several great-nieces and nephews, many extended family members, and countless dear friends.

Bill built a life marked by hard work, dedication, and service to others. Over the years, he worked as a manager, chef, carpenter, and director of support services, including many years serving at Fayetteville City Hospital and other healthcare facilities. He was a proud graduate of St. Petersburg Junior College and St. Petersburg Catholic High School.

After retiring from Fayetteville City Hospital in 2006, Bill embraced life as a part-time farmer and shepherd. He cared for sheep, his llama named Ramses, cows, chickens, geese, pigs, and his beloved dogs. Retirement brought many joys along with a few playful challenges as he tended the animals, hosted several years of traditional pig roasts, and reveled in the rhythms of farm life.

He loved all sports, especially cheering on his beloved teams: the Cincinnati Reds, the Cincinnati Bengals, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Arkansas Razorbacks. He also had a deep love for music and cherished playing his guitar with friends on the front porch of his beloved Sugar Mountain. Those evenings filled with music, laughter, and friendship were among the moments he treasured most.

To his family, Bill’s greatest title was “Grill Master.” He was an exceptional chef whose meals brought everyone together. His famous Skyline chili on Super Bowl Sundays and sausage balls on Christmas mornings became treasured family traditions that will be remembered for generations.

More than anything, Bill loved his family and the place he called home on Sugar Mountain. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion, warmth, humor, music, and memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

There will be a small gathering with family and friends, followed by a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local animal shelter in memory of Bill Roebke.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 Condolences

  1. Paul and Alice Remington

    Alice and I offer our sincere condolences to Roebke family. May the Grace of God bring comfort during their time of loss. For the last 36 years I have considered both Roebke families, Bill’s and Rob’s to be best neighbors anymore could hope for.

    Reply
  2. Bob & Cheryl Bryant

    We are so sorry for your loss Julene ! We are heartbroken for you & your family😥Our thoughts & prayers are with you

    Reply
  3. Jane Ann Butler

    I’m so sorry for your loss!

    Reply
  4. Paula Willis

    Am just hearing about Bill’s death. Will be praying for the entire family, mostly Julene. Things are gonna be so quiet at home.
    🥰🥰🥰

    Reply
  5. Brett Pomeroy

    My son & I send our deepest condolences to the entire Roebke family. We are deeply saddened by his loss. We are forever grateful for Bill & Julene allowing us to enjoy the outdoors on their property every October & November. We cherish those months and hold them dear. The same can be said for the pig roast gatherings on the mountain. After the feast of delicious food, friends & family would gather around the porch to listen to Bill play on his beautiful Martin guitar. Bill encouraged me to practice and to play with him amongst his audience. I am forever grateful for him extending his advice and invitation. When he played, he’d always started with “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Three simple chords: C, G, Am. Every time I hear that song now, I think of Bill and the summer nights up on the mountain. Rest in peace Bill. We love you and miss you dearly.

    https://youtu.be/hgBhsdLpzL4?si=-sXeTKlJGiMSmzZ0

    Reply

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