Billie Wayne Stair, age 88, of Mountain View, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at home on March 10, 2026. He was born on April 29, 1937, in Drasco, Arkansas, to Rudolph and Bertie Mae (Vinson) Stair. Bill grew up in the Stone County community of Ben and was married to Mary Lou Hart on May 30, 1963.
He was always a hard worker. He left school after eighth grade to work on the family farm and sawmill, but he continued his own studies and taught himself many skills, including masonry, which led to his success as a contractor in the early development of Hot Springs Village. After returning from Hot Springs, Arkansas, he owned and operated a successful cattle and hog farm and, for 20 years, owned and managed Mountain View Glass Company. His wife, Mary Lou, taken too soon, was his partner and supported all his endeavors. Bill enjoyed investing in real estate. He bought and sold land, built houses, developed subdivisions, owned residential and commercial rental properties, and built and ran a travel park. He raised four children and instilled in all of them the value of hard work.
In his golden years, he enjoyed being with his family, spending time at Blanchard Springs and the White River, gardening and smoking cigars.
Preceded in death by his wife, Bill is survived by his children Laura Salard (Greg), Rebecca Swafford (Daniel), Patrick Stair, Vinson Stair (Vickie); his grandchildren Mary Grace Hunt, Levi Logan, Beatie Salard, Evalyne Salard, Riley Gilpatrick, Wesley Stair, Preston Stair, Josey Avey, Rachel Kemp, Emily Stair, Jordan Stair, Timothy Stair; and ten great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 pm at the Mountain View Funeral Service Chapel. The memorial service will follow at 2:00 pm, with Brother Glen Swafford officiating. His ashes will be buried in the grave of his wife, Mary Lou Hart Stair, at Friendship Cemetery in Ben, Arkansas.
Arrangements are entrusted to Mountain View Funeral Service.
