William Earl Brewington

William Earl Brewington, born January 26, 1953, in Memphis, Tennessee, answered the final bell on March 26, 2026, passing away peacefully at home. He was 73 years old—and if life were scored like a boxing match, most would agree he went the distance and then some. William was preceded in death by his parents, Billy Earl Brewington and Ludie Pearl Brewington (Winningham); his sister, Patricia Ann Beith; and his niece, Kaylynn Carmikle—no doubt greeted on the other side with familiar faces and probably a little commotion. He leaves behind a legacy that is equal parts love, laughter, and stories that may or may not get more exaggerated with time. His daughters, Alexandra Brewington Clement (and Connor Craig) of Newcastle, Oklahoma, and Samantha Ortiz (and Vicente Ortiz) of Raeford, North Carolina, will carry forward his memory—along with his stubbornness, quick wit, and maybe just a little of that famous temper. He was a proud grandfather to Remington Lewter, Tatum Craig, Teagan Craig, and Carmen Ortiz, who will grow up hearing legendary tales of a man who never met a stranger and always had something to say. He is also survived by his siblings: Mike (Janie) Brewington of Columbus, Indiana; Scott (Lorrie) Brewington of Horn Lake, Mississippi; Tim Brewington of Brookland, Arkansas; Bobby Carmikle of West Memphis, Arkansas; Jerry (DiDi) Carmikle of Columbia, South Carolina; and Deanna “Dee” (David) Currie of Columbia, Tennessee. Together, they shared a lifetime of memories—some perhaps better left “out of the official record”—and each of them could likely write a book about him if given the chance. For over 50 years, William shared a bond with his friend and “brother,” Homer Dawson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma—a friendship that proved you don’t have to share blood to be family, just a few decades of loyalty, laughter, and probably a couple of close calls and likely more than a few questionable decisions. After graduating from West Memphis Senior High School, he wasted no time stepping into what he considered his true education—life itself. He charged into it head-on, without hesitation, and usually at full speed. William’s life was anything but dull. He began working at a young age alongside his father at Universal Harvester, then spent years in the oil field, waste management, and construction. He later found his stride at FedEx, where he proudly drove a truck and, as many would say, “bled FedEx.” He closed out his working years with ATC in Oklahoma City. William had a passion for cars, a respect for boxing, and, well… a well-documented appreciation for women. He will be remembered for his unmistakable personality: his Aquanet hairspray that could withstand just about anything, his signature “Outlaw” apparel, and those famous white cowboy boots he chose to resole time and time again rather than replace. William had a strong appetite—for food, for life, and for doing things his own way. He was known for his temper, but just as much for his humor and his ability to make fast friends wherever he went, because he truly never met a stranger. He even had a reflexive backward swing that served as both a defense mechanism and a warning system—those who walked up behind him unannounced might’ve learned the hard way, because those who knew, knew. He never met a stranger, rarely backed down, and lived life on his own terms. Like any good fighter, he took his hits, gave a few back, and kept moving forward. In the end, he did what he always did—he went out on his own terms, at home, surrounded by the life he built. Though the final bell has rung, William leaves behind a legacy of stories, laughter, and a life lived boldly. Somewhere, you can bet he’s already found a good seat, sizing up the next round. He will be missed more than words can say—but he would probably tell us not to make too big a fuss… and then stick around just long enough to make sure we did anyway. He will be deeply missed—but never forgotten. William’s service will be held at the Pavilion at Crittenden Memorial Park (2206 US-64, Marion, AR 72364) on Saturday, May 23rd, at 11:00 a.m.