Wayne Hartsfield

Wayne Hartsfield, 74, lifelong Searcy resident was born December 6, 1934 and passed away Thursday, September 3, 2009. Mr. Hartsfield was a member of First Baptist Church of Searcy where he served as a Deacon and a Sunday school teacher. His accomplishments and service to the community and state showed his love for family, community, and state. He was a servant to his community and a friend to those he served. Though a financier and businessman, many days he could be found tending to his cattle, working his farm, supporting state and local sports teams, and spending time with family. He was a strong advocate for education in the state. Finally, he was a man of God who believed in building and strengthening his Church so that more could find the peace of Christ that he knew. Hartsfield graduated from Searcy High School in 1952 and earned degrees from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University. He served as a Army officer after college and became a captain in the Army Reserve prior to joining First National Bank of Searcy. He is retired as President and Chairman of the Board for Regions Bank of Searcy. Past accomplishments include Arkansas State Board of Education, Arkansas State University Board of Trustees, Past President of Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce; Past President of Arkansas Bankers Association. Currently, Mr. Hartsfield was Chairman of White County Medical Center Board of Trustees; a member of Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and Blue Ribbon Highway Commission. He was preceded in death by his parents, William O. Hartsfield and Zada Wyatt Hartsfield and one sister, Carol Hartsfield Shelby. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Suzy Green Hartsfield; four daughters, Donna Rippey and her husband, Will of Searcy, Rebecca Hartsfield of Little Rock, Julie Knight and her husband, Todd of Arkadelphia, and Jennifer Hartsfield of Benton; six grandchildren, Casey, Spencer and Jacob Knight, David, Matthew, and Julia Rippey; one brother, Harold Hartsfield and his wife, Sue of St. Louis, Missouri. Funeral services will be conducted 2:30 pm Sunday at First Baptist Church in Searcy. Visitation at the church will immediately follow the services until 5:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to First Baptist Church Building Fund or White County Medical Center Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Homes. www.powellfuneralhome.net