Dr. William (Bill) Montgomery Malloy was born on August 17, 1940, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, grew up in Bexley, Ohio, and passed away on November 26, 2025, in Mountain View, Arkansas, after 85 well-lived years. Born to John Reynolds Malloy and Grace Montgomery Malloy, he is survived by his siblings John Malloy (Jane), Steve Malloy, and Cathleen Felger (Ron); his children Melissa Osborne (Dan), Erin Powell (Aaron), Emily Lund (David), and Ryan Malloy (Nicole); ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; his former wife, Sarah Malloy; and his significant other of nearly 30 years, Lynn Malloy.
A proud graduate of Denison University, Wittenberg University, and The Ohio State University, Bill devoted his decades-long career to higher education, serving as Dean of Students and Vice President at several colleges and universities. He served on several accreditation teams throughout his career and was widely respected for his thoughtful, thorough approach to institutional review. He had a keen eye for recognizing talent and offered many the guidance and mentorship that helped launch their careers in higher education. Even following his retirement, Bill remained devoted to the field; he participated in a national directory that placed interim administrators and continued to serve in that capacity, offering steady leadership wherever he was called.
The life of the party, Bill kept everyone entertained with his quick wit and sense of humor. His gift for making others laugh is something for which he will be remembered. Yet behind that humor was a man who rarely expressed emotion openly, though his children always knew how proud he was of them and how deeply he loved them. He never missed a band competition, sporting event, or award ceremony—showing his love not through words, but through his unwavering presence.
In his younger years, Bill wrestled, played football and rugby, and carried his love of sports throughout his life. A seven-letter college athlete at Denison University—earning four letters in football and three in wrestling, a rare accomplishment—he took great pride in his athletic career. He frequently volunteered at local high school and college athletic events, happiest when he was close to the action.
He was also deeply committed to community service, spending many years as a volunteer fireman and even helping establish a college volunteer fire department at one of the institutions he served. A lover of history, he visited any historic site or museum he could, watched documentaries, and read historical books. On weekends, he was often found in the garden, grilling steaks or any meat with Carolina Treet barbecue sauce, or in his rocker watching sports on TV.
Bill also had a love for animals. He had a soft spot for strays—welcoming cats, dogs, a pony, and even a pig affectionately called Spamela Lee into his life. His home was always a place where every creature found care.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Bill’s brother, John, and his wife, Jane, for the exceptional care and support they provided over the last several months.
At Bill’s request, no services will be held. You are encouraged to honor his memory by sharing a fond story or making a donation to your local animal shelter.
Arrangements are entrusted to Mountain View Funeral Service.
