GREG ZAKRZEWSKI,

64, of Little Rock passed away unexpectedly, on January 3, 2022, at his home.

Greg was born on July 31, 1957, to Fred and June Zakrzewski, who preceded him in death. His dear “Momma” was waiting to welcome him.

He loved her so much. For the last several years he frequently visited with her including every Monday night when they played Scrabble or watched Jeopardy! and Dancing with the Stars.

Greg was raised Catholic, graduating from Catholic High in 1975. While there he excelled in sports, especially football. He also played football at UCA in Conway, and was a Pi Kappa Alpha. He graduated from UCA with a degree in accounting and was a CPA. After graduating from UCA he worked in private practice until he took a job at AP&L, which became Entergy. Greg was a dedicated employee at Entergy and progressed to become a manager in the regulatory filing area of the Company. He was known to be “easy to work for, willing to help, nice, kind and always got the job done.” He retired in 2018 and will be missed by his Entergy coworkers.

Greg enjoyed life. Anytime he was asked about his day his response was “every day is a good day.” Retirement agreed with him. His days usually began at 5 a.m. with a workout. Then he might enjoy a game of golf, going to the feed store, grocery store, chainsawing trees, or power-washing something. Greg took joy in the physical activities that are often viewed as work. He also liked to attend auctions where he bought things for Merry’s antique mall booths. He was definitely the best “picker”.

Greg and Merry met in 1981 and married in 1984. Even though he was a “city boy,” he loved working and living in the country. He raised chickens, donkeys and a large garden In the last few years he grew beautiful sunflowers and zinnias – always sharing a bouquet with others. He is survived by a flock of devoted chickens and herd of 11 demanding donkeys.

Greg enjoyed the horse races, Zoom calls with his Entergy buddies, and wrestling with nieces and nephews. He also loved to fish with his brothers, especially trout fishing on the White River and an annual surf fishing trip to Gulf Shores, Ala. Like his Daddy, Greg was on a quest for the perfect hot tamale. He missed no chance to try a restaurant featuring them and would drive long distances to try a newly discovered source of the treat.

Greg was always the one to go the extra mile for a friend or organization. He never said no. He also provided significant care for Merry’s parents as they aged. He was a true servant-leader who took on the task of leading that sorry lot that is his mostly older brothers, organizing them and participating in the care for both of his parents when they became ill. He was also doing most of the work in settling his parents’ estate. He unselfishly volunteered as a test subject for the Moderna vaccine trials.

Greg is survived by his wife of 37 years, Merry; and his three dogs, Riley, Splash, and Dorie; his brothers, Wayne (Maxine), Freddie (Lalia), David (Carla), Stephen (Barbara), Doug (Mary Jo); 12 nieces and nephews; and 16 great-nieces and -nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Catholic High Foundation.

There will be a rosary on Monday January 10, 2022, at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home at 3 p.m. with visitation to follow until 5 p.m. There will be a funeral mass on January 11, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Little Rock, with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery. Due to the recent upsurge in the pandemic, MASKS ARE REQUIRED. Online guestbook www.SmithFamilyCares.com