William “Willie” Lee Galyen of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, born on October 23, 1991, to Thomas and Dianna (Davenport) Galyen, passed away in Eureka Springs on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at the age of 31.
Willie attended Eastside Church of Christ in Eureka Springs. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master’s degree in ruminant nutrition. Willie also attained a grain merchants license and proudly published multiple scientific journal articles on cattle research. He was a member of the Equity Bank regional board, the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association, the American Brahman Breeders Association and The American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists.
Willie treasured the opportunity to work on the family cattle farm with his grandfather, Lynn. Most recently, Willie and his fiancée, Kaci, founded a Brahman breeding operation of their own called Rockin’ WK Ranch. Willie loved farming, hunting, being outdoors, taking care of his grandparents and being an uncle. He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a lifelong love of learning. Above all, Willie was a kind and generous man who spent his life serving others. He will always be cherished by his friends, family, and community.
He is survived by his beloved fiancée, Kaci Pezoulas of Plano, Texas; parents, Thomas and Dianna Galyen of Eureka Springs, Arkansas; siblings, Nathan Galyen and his wife Joanna of Eureka Springs, Arkansas and their children Annalynn and Henry, Amanda Geary and her husband Buster of Rogers, Arkansas and their children Daxton and Audrey, and Ryan Ramberg and his wife Crystal of Eureka Springs, Arkansas and their daughter Clara; Papa Bill; uncles, Jay Galyen and his wife Jill of Eureka Springs, Arkansas and Bart Davenport and his wife Lana of Vilonia, Arkansas; as well as a host of other family, friends, and loved ones.
He is preceded in death by his Grannie Annie and grandparents, Lynn and Dollie Galyen.
Memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 7, 2023, at Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center, 207 W. Van Buren, Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632.
Memorial donations may be made to Eureka Springs Volunteer Fire Department, 144 E. Van Buren, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, Arkansas Children’s Hospital Northwest, 4093 W. Sunset Ave., Suite 102, Springdale, AR 72762 or PKD Foundation, P.O. Box 871847, Kansas City, MO 64187, pkdcure.org. Cremation arrangements under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to nelsonfuneral. com.