“B.J.” Orchid

Bill J. “B.J.” Orchid passed away on April 11, 2018, in Port Arthur, Texas. He was born in Amity, Arkansas on September 30, 1933, he was the son of Eunice and Carl Orchid. He graduated from Clarks High School in Clarks in 1953. He was a well-known high school athlete, particularly a baseball catcher. Mr. Orchid declined an athletic scholarship to Northwestern State University and instead enlisted in September 1953 in the U.S. Army. He spent 16 months in Korea as an artilleryman and served until 1956, attaining the rank of sergeant. He also spent time in the Army Reserves. During his break between basic training and advanced infantry training in 1953 he took time to marry his high school sweetheart, Helen Small. They remained an inseparable couple for 64 years. Mr. Orchid was a devout Christian. He was ordained a Deacon in 1969 at the Alford Heights Baptist Church in Many. In Many, Mr. Orchid was active in many community organizations. His voice was well-known for several years as an announcer of Friday night Many High School football games. He was an avid golfer and loved to play in tournaments and with his family. He was also known for his wood working ability. Mr. Orchid was a long-time employee of Sunbeam Bread and was Vice President of Operations, supervising the bakery in Port Arthur and the distribution center and thrift store in Beaumont. Mr. Orchid was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Helen of Port Arthur, Texas; daughter, Dr. Nancy Stretcher of Port Neches, Texas; son, David Orchid of San Antonio, Texas; grandson, Alex Cammack of St. Louis, Missouri; two sisters; and one brother. Graveside services and interment were held April 14 at at Ebenezer Cemetery in Florien under the direction of Levingston Funeral Home.