Former Randolph County Sheriff, Billy Almus “Bill” Rapert, 93, passed away Sunday, July 23, 2023 at Randolph Home.

Bill was born June 1, 1930 in the Glaze Creek community to the late Arnold Leroy and Ruby Jewell Wright Rapert. On September 18, 1954, Bill was married to Emma Louise Riggs and they were blessed with 67 loving years of marriage prior to her passing.

After serving in the United States Army, Bill began his career in law enforcement as a deputy under Sheriff Earl Chester. In 1963 he was elected Sheriff of Randolph County, a post which he held for seven terms from 19631966 and 1971-1980. Bill took great pride in his department, extended respect to every person, held himself and his officers to high moral standards, and has left a legacy of faithful public service that will not soon be forgotten.

Bill was a longtime member of the Oak Grove Baptist Church at Attica and in later life the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church at Pitman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Ruby Rapert; wife, Emma Rapert; brothers, Howard and Roger Dale Rapert; and sisters, JoAnn Milam and Brenda Nash.

Bill is survived by his sister, Mary (Dale) Murdock of Walnut Ridge; sisters-in-law, Patsy Rapert of Pocahontas, and Frances Riggs of Sparta, TN; brothersin- law, Robert Riggs of Fayetteville, and Bill Decker of Attica; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

All services will be held in the chapel of McNabb Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday, July 27, 2023 from 5-8 PM. Funeral service will be Friday, July 28, 2023 at 2 PM with Mike Roberts officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Maynard Cemetery.

Honored to serve as Pallbearers are Joe Rapert, Victor Rapert, Terry Rapert, Sam Riggs, Justin Koons, and Matt Koons.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Richard Rapert, Jimmy Milam, Dale Murdock, Stan Rapert, Bill Decker, and Jim Earl Groning.