Arkansas Bill: Country Boy Survives Alone

In this 5th episode of this unexpectedly popular (and powerful) series, Arkansas Bill opens up about the loss of his dear Norma Jo, hosts her memorial service, and welcomes an unexpected guest.
I meet some townsfolk, see Jo's memorial garden, and reflect with Bill on how to appreciate life in the face of painful loss.
Once again, we get the sweet-sounding soundtrack by Kevin Bean in this meaningful new chapter of Bill's life. Also once again, we get the smooth-cuts and shots from series co-creator Paul Givens.
This episode is affiliated with our nonprofit The Periphery Foundation (theperiphery.org). Donations made in Bill's name will all go toward helping him.
Or, DONATE TO BILL at our GoFundMe for him: www.gofundme.com/tipping-arka...
Thanks for watching and caring.
***
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CREDITS:
Creator: Brandon Ferdig
Co-creator: Paul Givens
Photography: Paul Givens
Music:
Song: For the First Time
Artist: Kevin Bean
License: Audiio.com #1948493052
HAVE A GREAT DAY.

[@ScarletRebel96]

God bless you Arkansas Bill stay strong we can tell you are a real down to earth person , the world needs more people like you , Thank you for introducing us to this man and his wife Brandon

[@corawright7279]

Arkansas girl born and raised in. I just want to say.. you guys are such amazing people with the biggest hearts and kind spirits 🥰 there really are still good people in this world ❤ 🙏 thank you. I was ready to give up on the human race

[@robbiem4624]

These are real Americans, and the way people should be with each other instead of bashing each other.

[@Cassscadip]

This is beautiful! I have an urn necklace I would love to send to Bill if at all possible. He could carry her close to him everyday! I know exactly what it feels like to have to go pick your loved one up in the form of ashes. I keep my mom as close as possible. God Bless you, Bill. Praying for you, brother! ❤

[@ThePeriphery]

Hi Sunshyne. Send me an email if you'd like to try to get that necklace to Bill. We can work something out. [e-mail]

[@Gnome1776]

My heart hurts for Bill. I wish him happiness. Love from Baxter County Arkansas!!

[@Franceliakarlee]

Hello how are you doing today?

[@skintback8211]

Jordan Marina area here. 07

[@joewilliams4142]

I am from south Texas. I have spent time very near Bills place. This has been a wonderful story, thank you for doing it. Old Bill is a good man. So are you.

[@JoeMethenyYT]

I never thought watching a video of people that live a lifestyle that seems continents away from mine would make someone like me shed a tear. Despite our vast differences, my best wishes go out to this man.

[@tommason5835]

I lost my wife of 22 yrs in February. I know the pain he's goin thru. I miss my wife every Day. God bless you Bill

[@Crat89]

I use to live about 2 miles up the road from him when I was a child. I remember it like it was yesterday. He’s had all that stuff in his yard from as far back as I can remember. Crazy seeing this on here.

[@satyarthsingh2276]

This made me tear up, hope you're doing good Bill. Greetings from India!

[@kathleenburke691]

It doesn't get any better than Real Authentic People...Rest in Peace...Norma Jo...Take Care Bill...❤❤

[@scotty1004]

Poor bill I feel so bad for him, how lonely he probably is. He seems strong though

[@Bee-tj8gc]

Alone again. Naturally. -Gibert O'Sullivan. We are born in this world with all the attention from family, but when most of us die, we'll be lucky to have partner or family member their for us. Even if you are married it's a 50-50 chance that most likely you will die alone. Maybe if you have kids and grandkids those chances might be lowered but only a bit. Especially in western culture. People don't pay attention to Thier parents in western culture

[@wlkbeastmode-issiap.346]

Ty for bringing him comfort

[@bishophowardslayton-ulccle359]

Mr Bill, It’s so hard to lose the one you love. And it’s hard to go on alone, especially when your loved one is constantly on your mind. I think you’re right when you say animals are smarter than what people give them credit for. They know something is wrong and they are just like another member of the family. I have often felt the calming comfort of a dog or a cat. It is my hope that your friends and neighbors will rally around you in your time of need. I just wish you the best my friend and I’m so sorry for your loss. God be with you! Peace!

[@Franceliakarlee]

Hello Howard how are you doing today?

[@masongregory2]

Been about 3 years I think since I’ve seen a video and he randomly popped in my head I figured I’d search for him and see how he’s doing sad that he lost his partner….I pray he makes it many more years I know it’s hard for one to keep pushing by them selves after so many years with the one they love god bless him

[@ThePeriphery]

Thanks, Mason. Your comment makes me happy we continue to update this series when we can.

[@rowefamily8672]

My heart goes out for you Bill I lost my husband from cancer in 2005 and I was married 34 years your never forget her she is with you in all your memories

[@DomozoveoGZ]

Bill is such a good dude, sorry this had to happen. Hope he's doing well now

[@ThePeriphery]

Yeah, he's keeping warm and appreciated the elk meat I sent him:) He got another dog lately, too. So he's got another friend around the place.

[@diegopio5986]

@@ThePeriphery eres un buen hombre. Por ayudar a otras personas. Felicidades desde u.s.a California.

[@ThePeriphery]

​@@diegopio5986 Gracias hombre. Seguiré ayudando a otros con este canal. Gracias por mirar y cuidar. 👍

[@jacobthompson8981]

I am so sorry bill!! My condolences 💐 from Kansas!!

[@Franceliakarlee]

Hello how are you doing today?

[@carlthornton3076]

Hey, Bill, so sorry about your loss!... #83 ✝ {6-22-2023}

[@magirusdeutzjupiter2234]

She loved all the little puppies and their puppy breath 😅😅😅. I found that extremely funny. Great video, excellent tribute.

[@ayronsmama05]

The lady that stopped because something was on her heart. Y'all saw God that day! God Is Good, always!

[@Steven-wx8sg]

God 🙏 bless you Bill

[@Aaron-ff5km]

Thank you guys for being there for Bill if we all could have compassion for our fellow men and women , and be there when people are down and out, what a world it would be🙏❤️God bless all of you who care for others and may Jesus be with you and in your hearts always and help you heal✝️👍

[@johnperez29]

I'm from fort Myers fla..I am very sorry for your loss..hang in there..I'm going thru the same thing..now you have a guardian angel watching over you..God bless you Mr bill.

[@inca7076]

California is there with you Bill! My grandparents are from Southern Arkansas and you remind me of them when ever i see you on these videos.

[@messerschmitt3725]

MUCH LOVE FROM GERMANY BILL!!! KEEP STRONG AS USUAL!!! 🇩🇪❤🇺🇸

[@shawnwhitworth487]

Good people are getting few and far between. This has made me so emotional. God bless you Mr Bill

[@RedNeckSurgeyTech]

So sorry for your loss Bill. She was a good woman. God really blessed you with her.

[@Cassscadip]

Brandon, you did an incredible job with this whole story! ♥ grief is a lonely lonely thing. It is such a blessing to see you visiting and chatting with him. Thanks for sharing!

[@murasakii1996]

Bill, I don't know if you read these comments or not. Bless your heart. Jo was an absolute treasure and her presence will be deeply missed. Wishing you the very best in the years to come, you're an honest and down to earth man who deserves it. Take care, a fellow Arkansan

[@ThePeriphery]

He doesn't read them often, no. But we do our best to pass them on, Kodi:) I'll let Bill know what you wrote. -Brandon

[@SimplyBackwoods]

Definitely powerful. Thanks Brandon for being with Bill through this rough time and sharing with us. It has to still be a rough time without the love of his life. He's an incredibly strong man and very inspiring as well.

[@arnouthpessoa]

Thx for sharing this story. Wish Bill a peaceful life. Hugs from Brazil.

[@ThePeriphery]

Obrigado:)

[@rowefamily8672]

God Bless you Bill Jo was a strong woman and she took real good care of you and I pray God will give you strength

[@edwardpotter8342]

I understand how he feels im 53 my wife of 23 years passed away 5 years ago she was only 42. I live in a small apartment in Beaufort County north Carolina Im trying to get me a little piece land so i can have a little homestead Im so sorry about his loved one God Bless 🙏

[@ThePeriphery]

Same to you, Edward. I hope you get that piece of land.

[@werterther]

I'd like to visit with Bill. He is a good man.

[@Franceliakarlee]

Hello how are you doing today?

[@mommatried663]

Prayers for you Bill u find peace

[@Jakep339]

Im an okie i know a few folks like bill god bless u bill stay strong brother

[@joshuaclark8633]

Sorry for your loss

[@Franceliakarlee]

Hello how are you doing today?

[@peterwolftips]

I'd grab him and take him to a holiday trip if I were around, but unfortunately I'm on the other side of the planet. Still, love to see content like this, thanks for making it.

[@ThePeriphery]

Appreciate that, Peter!

[@garethhughes4343]

So sorry to hear about Norma , Bill my thoughts are with you Sir

[@tashareneewilliamsjackson2831]

Bill I'm so sorry to here about Joe you don't know me but I had to privilege I'm reading Joe a little over a year ago while he was in the hospital and she was so full of life so hungry so loving caring I was just there for very short time and Arkansas but she was one of the many people and I was blessed to meet mom was there I was watching your video today and hurt her and it made me cry because she was she was awesome she was full of fire but you're right she cared about her and almost and she did care about you and love you too where she was so mad at you she was mad because you didn't go to the doctor sooner but I'm glad that you were okay and your healthy give you all my love I'm sending my love and stay there I met her through Billy Thompson so I just wanted to message you and give my sincere miss and you were blessed and yarn blessed and I am totally blessed to have known her

[@ThePeriphery]

Hi Tasha, Thank you for sharing this story about Jo! What a small world:) I'll tell Bill so he can read your comments. Bless you. -Brandon

[@kimberlysolimine3161]

Hope he's okay Sharpe co. Arkansas

[@christianhaller3642]

Hank said it best. A country boy survives

[@liamdavies7027]

Bill is a genuine gd man

[@Franceliakarlee]

Hello how are you doing today?

[@jaydenlee6891]

Love bill keep positivity keep God and you are a love one

[@skintback8211]

Such a fantastic coddiwomple through life. We need more "cowBILL".

[@ThePeriphery]

😅

[@vitonha8433]

God blessed Bill

[@toddwalker1002]

Ol bill is pretty cool and has great insight from a Minnesota hillbilly keep doin what ya do bill

[@Franceliakarlee]

Hello how are you doing today?

[@zainpo7a708]

May she Rest In Peace

[@matthew6038]

He is my moms dad my grandfather

[@vincetravis70]

tell bill to embrace the joy. damn sad story but thats how it goes too u know

[@ThePeriphery]

Thanks for watching and for the words of support for Bill. He appreciates the comments (when he reads them).

[@bobbyblair1084]

I fill you're pain Bill.

[@hermanmunster714]

The little donkey looks hungry, my heart breaks for Bill and his beloved wife who passed. No one should have to live like this in the USA out of necessity. No one. Dont mean to sound all political but this is a real tragedy what our uniparty and govt are doing to the American people. It started with Reagan, then Bill Clinton (from Arkansas himself) then Bush all working to help deregulate the bankers and send American jobs, money and prosperity overseas with NAFTA and now Biden. Then they act all shocked when they have a tiny pushback on Jan 6. I hope things change for the better, soon. Blessings to Bill and his animals.

[@Bee-tj8gc]

I hope bill is alright. I lived with my mom's until my mid 20s and she passed during the pandemic from cancer. It took a year for that really to hit me. My GF is here when that reality hits to calm me down But living with someone for 90% of your life, being stuck in a house with them during a pandemic, getting along during that time. Only to have them die after. Is a mind fuck in the worse way Poor Bill. I hope he got someone to comfort him when that reality hits. Even if it's just someone online.

[@LB-eh5fz]

BRANDON YOU ARE MY HERO,♥️

[@ThePeriphery]

I hope I live a good long, meaningful life as you described in your other comment. Bless you, LB:)

[@Franceliakarlee]

Hello how are you doing today?

[@LB-eh5fz]

MR. BILL ,,I KNOW ITS HARD FOR YOU ,,I LIVE IN KENTUCKY,, I OWN A FARM ID LET YOU LIVE ON FREE ,BUT YOU PROBABLY LOVE YOUR HOME,,, IM A GREAT GRANNY ,OWN A FARM AND A HOUSE HERE NEXT TO TOWN , WE ALL ARE SLIPPING AWAY ,,WE HAVE TO GRAB EVERY MOMENT WE CAN, MY GRAVE IS WAITING FOR ME ,,IM NOT AFRAID ,,,❤

[@ThePeriphery]

Thank you, LB. Bill does love his home. In our very first video, he said, "I'll die here." That connection to the land is fundamental to who we are. Bless your kind words and strength there in Kentucky.

[@LB-eh5fz]

@@ThePeriphery ♥️

[@workinman3878]

Bill needs a side by side

[@darwinmoen9248]

How do you send Bill donations?

[@VotEtoPizdets]

Where can i find more information about how this donated money will assist Bill? I would like to contribute if none of my contributions will be funneled off into the pockets of undeserving people.

[@ThePeriphery]

Thank you for watching and caring. You can donate to the fundraiser attached on the video page: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmjRaIiJisekZ5I&lc=UgzEV78Lb1O52hH_LgV4AaABAg All this money goes to Bill.

[@bobroberts7661]

The next time you come to Scott County Ar, contact me, and I will give you a tour of the back woods Of the Ouachitas mountains southeast of Bill house on my side by side in Scott county where I live. It would be worth your time if you're into mountains.

[@fanmaxis3004]

Hows Ol' Bill doing these days?

[@ThePeriphery]

Pretty good! We just got him an air conditioner with viewers' donations. So he's nice and cool now!

[@ivankovacevic1910]

How is he today?

[@ThePeriphery]

I last spoke to him a few weeks back. Seemed to be okay, although this time of year is hard on him due to Jo's passing anniversary (and birthday). Thanks for reaching out. I'll give him a call here.

[@user-nr8py1br5c]

I hope bill is still doing alright.

[@usaidmoinofficial7016]

Where is Bill's children and grandchildren?

[@BrownEyePinch]

No way he's still alive

[@ThePeriphery]

Alive and well

[@howiwatchvideos]

Dudes like hey Bill here's 93 sub sandwiches. pitiful

[@bradleysmith9431]

4:06 yes gaurd donkeys are a thing. Theyre smart, very territorial and protective a great alarm system other than dogs. They are used to gaurd livestock, sheep, and goats, they will kill coyotes and dogs by biting them picking them up and slinging them around, usually breaking the neck of the predator

[@ThePeriphery]

Wow. Learned something new here. Thanks.

[@mrram5040]

Bill update??

[@ThePeriphery]

Just talked to him yesterday! He's ok. He misses Jo severely still. But he did get a new friend (dog). He takes it pretty easy. He's trying to get a deer this season, but no luck yet. I just sent him another check from his video ad revenues. It helps him out a lot. Thanks for asking!

[@robbiem4624]

@@ThePeriphery I hope someone does go and check on him periodically because i can imagine he could go from a broken heart and no one would notice, since by all accounts he never mentions any family or next of kin.

[@ThePeriphery]

@@robbiem4624 Hi Robbie, I did talk to him last week. I sent him some elk meat he really appreciated. He also said his daughter may be moving closer to him, which I think would be terrific. Grandpa Bill should be closer to the grandkids:) Thank you for watching and caring. -Brandon

[@indycharlie]

Sad deal . So , is Bill still kicking ?

[@ThePeriphery]

Yep, just talked to him last week.

[@indycharlie]

@@ThePeriphery Great to hear !

[@simonifatovic401]

Please start a gofund me or something for our dear bill... he deserves a few bands on his bank account.... That loneliness can only get better with a friend, a rebuild of the house and some money for real.... Please fix it.... And no, i havnt watched the whole video at the time i wrote this lmao. Amazing video nonetheless

[@ThePeriphery]

Hi Simon, yep, we gotta a GoFundMe right here: gofund.me/cf108330 Thanks!

[@Franceliakarlee]

Hello how are you doing today?

[@Teaally1913]

Ummmm, hello that what Donkey’s do.

[@drock4912]

Good ole Bill, how can you not Like this guy. He's a kind soul I wish him the best. Looking forward to more n more of these videos on Arkansas Bill.

[@Franceliakarlee]

Hello how are you doing today?

[@macwright3925]

I live here in For smith..I'd like to meet Mr.bill

[@Franceliakarlee]

Hello how are you doing today?

[@macwright3925]

@@Franceliakarlee Awesome and you?

[@Franceliakarlee]

@@macwright3925 I’m doing good 😊. Thanks for asking.

[@Franceliakarlee]

@@macwright3925 hope all is well with you?

[@ThePeriphery]

Feel free to take a drive down 71 South and say hello:) He always welcomes visitors.

[@user-ly5ud2uj3w]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@user-ly5ud2uj3w]

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