William Clifford “Bill” Yearian, Jr. of Fayetteville passed away peacefully on December 7, 2021. He was 84. He was born in Lake Village, Arkansas to W. C. Yearian, Sr. and Nannie Mae (Cunningham) Yearian on May 20, 1937. He was married to LaVerne (Robertson) Yearian, his High School sweetheart and wife of 50 years, until her passing in 2010.

He graduated from Lakeside High School in Lake Village with honors and was on the All-District Football team. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Arkansas – Monticello, his Master’s Degree at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville and completed his PhD in Entomology at the University of Florida-Gainesville. Upon graduation from the University of Florida in 1966 he began his career at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville as a Professor of Entomology. He served the university as an instructor, cotton, soybean and bark beetle researcher for 37 years.  He also served on the Arkansas Plant Board, Boll Weevil Eradication Board and as President of Gamma Sigma Delta. He became Head of the Department of Entomology in 1989 and stayed in that position until his retirement in 2002 with the title of University Professor Emeritus.  He was well respected by his colleagues and was nationally known in his field. He was also beloved by students, many of whom became lifelong friends.

He was an avid fisherman who enjoyed fishing anytime, anywhere, but was particularly fond of trout fishing on the White River and fishing for Walleye and Northern Pike on the Woman River system in Ontario, Canada. He was a lover of good food especially fried fish, crawfish, oysters on the half shell, hard salami and sharp cheddar cheese. He was always up for a poker game or game of domino’s .

He is preceded in death by his sister Barbara King and brother David Yearian. He is survived by his son, Will Yearian (Rhonda Lovell) of Fayetteville, three grandchildren Lauren Yearian of Fayetteville, Celia McDonald (Mason McDonald), of Charleston, Arkansas and Carly Carbine (Kevin Carbine) of Fayetteville, five great-grandchildren James Carbine, Emilia Carbine, Cohen Carbine, Edith McDonald and Winifred McDonald, sister-in-law Anita Yearian, nieces Rebecca Welsh and Cynthia Rosson and nephew Bruce King. He also leaves behind his dear friends Carol and John Baltz who were his constant companions and kept him busy in retirement. A very special mention goes out to Damita Grigg who took tremendous care of him in his final years.

He will be cremated and, per his wishes, no service will be held. Instead, he asked that a Memorial Fish Fry be had in his honor which will take place on what would have been the celebration of his 85^th birthday. He requested his ashes be scattered at his favorite fishing hole on Rosen Lake in Ontario, Canada.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in his honor to the Department of Entomology at the University of Arkansas.

Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.