William “Bill” Pich, age 90, passed away from natural causes on July 7, 2026. He was a loving husband and devoted father. Bill was born as the third of four children on May 8,1936 near Slovak, Arkansas to the late George and Katherine “Katie” Pich.
Bill grew up on his family’s farm and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Margaret Auersberg. He graduated from De Valls Bluff High School in 1954. Shortly after getting married, Margaret and Bill moved to Little Rock for Bill to attend college at UALR to obtain an engineering degree but, they later decided to return to Hazen to live on and work on the family farm. Bill eventually took over the family farm and jointly farmed the Pich Farms property between Hazen and De Valls Bluff with his brother, Albert “Sonny” for many years.
Over time, Bill’s farming operations grew to include farmland in Slovak, Center Point, and land at the Hazen airport in addition to the original Pich Farms property. In addition to farming, Bill had a knack for welding and precision metal working and thus he gradually acquired numerous metal lathes, drill presses, and other precision metal working tools to enable him to make custom parts to support his farm equipment and he began providing these services to other farmers in the area. Bill eventually transitioned out of farming and focused on running his machine shop full time up until the point in which he retired his machine shop business. Away from work, Bill enjoyed spending time on the golf course, fishing, RV camping, and making parts for other farmers at his shop. He also explored many other hobbies including watercolor painting, metal detecting, and collecting and restoring antique cars, among many other things. One of the most memorable hobbies was him custom building his children an amazing go cart that was enjoyed for many years by all of his children.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Margaret Pich, son, William “Alan” Pich, brother, George Gene “GG” Pich and sister, Mary Ann Willey. He is survived by two children, Terry Hirsch (Greg) and Jon Pich (Lisa), He is also survived by his brother Albert “Sonny” Pich, Alan’s former wife (Dawn Teer), and his 8 grandchildren, Bethany Pich Hildebrand (Chance), Sarah and Joseph Pich, Jennah McArthur and Stephanie Hirsch, Slader, Olivia and Emily Pich. Bill had three great-grandchildren Jake McArthur, Holden and Hattie Jo Hildebrand. In the years after Margaret’s passing, Bill had the blessing of meeting Paige Frank Myrick (Memphis) who would become Bill’s 15+ year companion for the rest of his life. Paige and her family welcomed Bill into their family and treated him with open arms as one of their own.
Visitation will be on Saturday, July 18th, 2026 held at Westbrook Funeral Home Chapel in Hazen, Arkansas beginning at from 10:30 A.M.until 11:30 A.M. with funeral services immediately following beginning at 11:30 A.M. He will be laid to rest with his late wife, Margaret; and his son, Alan thereafter in the Hazen Cemetery.
So sorry Terry and Jon for the loss of your Dad!I liked Bill and enjoyed all the times we were able to share with him! He lived a long productive life and was going strong till almost the end ! I pray that you and Jon and all our families have Peace and Comfort about his passing and long and active life !❤️🙏
Bill & Margaret were good friends of mine for many years when I lived in Hazen. We cooked out & played bridge often with other friends & had such fun. I taught their children in high school & enjoyed every moment of that time. My heart goes out to Terry & Jon & I pray for God’s peace of mind & heart for them.
So sorry to hear about your dad. Our love and prayers for peace and comfort to you both.
So sorry to hear of Mr Bill’s passing. I know this is hard on you (Terri) and Jon.
He may have felt it was time and so close to Alan who I will also miss. Both were friends!
Mike
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Praying our Lord will lift you and bless you all with his peace and comfort.
With our deepest sympathy and love.
Greg and Marilyn
Sending love, prayers and condolences to you all. What a wonderful life Bill lived and a lasting legacy. ♥️
I was just looking up Bill’s information on Google so I could reconnect with him..something I meant to do months ago. I’m very sad to hear of his passing. At the same time, I’m happy to hear he’s back with his beautiful wife.
I was one of Bill’s young helping hands(at that time). Coming from a big city of 3 million people & ending up in a one stoplight town looking for work, I met Mr. Bill Pich. I had no experience related to the job but Bill was laid back and said just go for it. It was truly trial by fire buy turned out to be one of the most educational and rewarding positions I’ve ever held. He was a character builder and sure enjoyed having a good time. I’ll never forget Bill cor his kindness smile and positive effects he had on the lives of so many people. His contributions will eco goodness for eternity.
Godspeed Bill!