William Arthur Alessi

William Arthur Alessi, 86, of Rogers died Sunday, November 2, 2025 at a skilled nursing facility in Rogers. He was born on January 25, 1939 in Forrest City, Arkansas the son of Dixie and John Alessi.

Willie, as he was affectionately known, worked many years in commercial construction. He enjoyed growing up on a country farm in eastern Arkansas and happily shared those memories with family and friends. He was a fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and was able to attend many football, basketball, and baseball games and bowl games. He became interested in roses upon retirement and had as many as 300 hybrid tea and miniature roses. He was a member of the local chapter of the American Rose Society winning numerous awards for his roses. He spent many hours cultivating his roses and shared them with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Patricia Alessi, daughter Karen Kay Alessi, brother Johnny Alessi, sisters Lorelie Alessi and Sandra Gooley.

Willie is survived by daughters Carmen Ann Alessi of Bella Vista, Arkansas and Sharen Lynn Meyers and husband Larry Meyers of Bend, Oregon; siblings Paul Thomas Alessi of San Antonio, Texas; Mary Lynn Zvara of Evansville, Indiana; Diane Zeller of Carol Stream, Illinois and one nephew, four nieces, and one granddaughter.

He was interred at Cave Springs Cemetery. The family is currently making plans for a celebration of Willie’s life which will be held on January 25, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. During Willie’s career in construction, he built the foundation of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and he donated to St. Jude’s up until his death.