FSLT Loses Loyal Supporter, Bill Engles
FSLT is saddened to report the death of our long-time friend, Bill Engles. Bill proudly proclaimed that he was our community theatre’s oldest and longest patron. Even at 98 years of age, he sat in “his” front row seat for every performance, and he claimed to have attended FSLT’s first performance in 1947.
Through the years, Bill supported our non-profit in ways big and small. He advertised his business in our program ads, bought extra tickets to hand out to friends, and contributed consistently to our Annual Fund. But he’s probably best known for purchasing a “Dark Night” private performance every November to host his many clients and friends. Before curtain-time, Bill would take center stage to entertain the packed house with his tall tales, jokes, and antics and hand out his own eclectic assortment of door prizes. He was a colorful character and a generous friend. He loved FSLT, and we loved him right back.
SERVICE INFORMATION:
Visitation will be 5-7 pm Friday, October 9 at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 N 12th. A celebration of life will be held at 2 pm, Sunday October 11 at the Fort Smith Little Theatre, 401 N. 6th. Following the memorial service, you are encouraged to participate in an activity Bill greatly admired – a traditional New Orleans Second Line Parade. Feel free to bring your umbrella and wave a white handkerchief as you follow a jazz band around the block to give Bill a fun and colorful send off.
It is suggested that memorial gifts be sent to Fort Smith Little Theatre, PO Box 3752, FSAR 72913. Memorial donations may also be made online.
OBITUARY:
William Robert (Bill) Engles, 98, of Fort Smith passed away October 5th. Bill was the fourth child of Charles Columbus (C.C.) Engles and Pearl Mae Fisher Engles, and the first to be born in Fort Smith.
Bill is survived by his two sons: Bill Engles Jr. (Emmeline Chang) of New York City and David Engles of New Orleans. He is also survived by three grandsons: William Engles-Chang, Alexander Engles-Chang and Dylan Engles, and by his only remaining sibling, brother Cecil Engles of Fort Smith.
Bill was proceeded in death by his mother Pearl Mae Fisher Engles, his father, C.C. Engles, and siblings Dora Mae Engles Bell, Ernest R. Engles, David Charles Engles, Wanda Engles Joyce and Geraldine Engles Gessner.
Affectionately known as “Wild Bill”, he was a longtime Fort Smith businessman, philanthropist, supporter of the arts, and a colorful staple of the Fort Smith community.
Bill developed a strong work ethic early in his life. His first job was selling roasted peanuts on Garrison Avenue for a nickel a bag at age six to help his family survive during the Great Depression. He made two cents for every bag he sold. In his teens, he worked for Wise Radio and Electronics doing inventory and servicing public address systems.
With the impending boom of television in Fort Smith, Bill and his younger brother, Cecil, began installing TV antennas all over town. But with the expected development of the new medium, Bill could see a future that would go far beyond just installing antennas.
In his 20’s, armed with $1200 in savings, Bill opened an appliance and electronic shop next to Prince Drug Store on Towson Avenue. Engles Sales and Service was one of the first such stores in Arkansas. Engles began selling Curtis Mathes televisions and window air conditioners. Within a few months, the business became the number one Curtis Mathes dealer in the United States. Bill and his little brother, Cecil, expanded their inventory to include all types of home appliances from Whirlpool, Amana, Westinghouse, RCA and Magnavox.
Bill also harnessed the power of television to build his brand and market their business. Dubbing themselves “Wild Bill” and “Calm Cecil” in their commercials would cement Engles Sales and Service and both men into the minds of generations of local consumers. To this day, those monikers are still used and remembered. In fact, Bill is considered to be the first person to ever advertise on television in the state of Arkansas.
In the mid 1970’s, Bill sold his interest in the business to brother Cecil and Bill began to explore the world. Embarking on a completely new direction, Bill began studying at Pepperdine University where his roommate was Bert Ward, the original Robin from the ABC Network’s “Batman” television series. It was during that time he met a couple of wiz kid inventors named Steve Jobs and Steve Wazniak who founded Apple Computers. The two used to send Bill prototypes of their early computers. Bill then became a certified and licensed hypnotherapist treating conditions like weight control and smoking. Two of his clients were actress Elizabeth Taylor and singer Mama Cass Elliot of the Mamas and the Pappas.
Bill then returned to Fort Smith and joined forces with his older brother, David, at Engles Financial Services where, for around 40 years, he helped thousands of people with their financial needs and supplemental Medicare insurance plans until his failing health forced him to sell the business in 2025.
Bill has been a Fort Smith fixture his entire life. From his business ventures, community and service involvement, support of the arts and hundreds of other acts of kindness he privately and quietly performed, Bill cared about people and his hometown.
pre-show, and dessert and coffee are offered at intermission. Opening Night tickets are $25 for the summer musical and $20 for all other performances. Join the fun!