REX LYMAN ELEY,

PhD, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, February 12, 2023, surrounded by his family. He fought a courageous battle against cancer for eight years.

He was born in Hope, Ark., on August 24, 1942. He was a member of Hebron Baptist Church and the Men’s Sunday School Class. Although they had not been able to participate recently due to Rex’s illness, church and church activities have always been an important part of Rex and Belinda’s lives.

Rex is survived by his loving wife, Belinda Coley Eley; two sons, Christopher Lyman Eley (Stacey) of Alexander and Bayly Foster Eley (Emily) of Little Rock; two grandchildren, Ashton Miranda Eley of Little Rock and Aaron Christopher Eley (Emma Brynn) of Benton. He is also survived by his sister, Nona Eley Jones (Don) of Nashville, Ark.; and his sister-in-law, Linda Coley Barg of Little Rock; along with many nieces and nephews, and a host of family and friends. He is preceded in death by his son, Gregory Glen Eley; and by his parents, Glen Dale Eley and Thelma Wardlaw Eley.

Rex was raised on a farm in southwest Arkansas between Nashville and Prescott. His Dad’s faith, values, and work ethic, and Rex’s rural upbringing, were major influences in his life. He was an avid hunter and fisherman all his life. From an early age, his times alone in the woods were where he felt closest to God. He loved being outdoors with family and friends.

Rex graduated from Nashville High School (Class of 1962), Southern Arkansas University (BS, Biology, 1966), and Oklahoma State University (Masters and PhD, Limnology, 1970). He spent 15 years in water resources research and consulting before entering into private business. His most cherished times were working with his boys to build a family business that they own and operate today.

Rex was a faithful husband, father, Papa, and friend. He was also a dedicated provider for his family. He loved spending time with them and having reunions with his sister and her family. He also loved traveling with his wife in remote areas of the United States and Canada.

Visitation will be held from 12:301:30 p.m. Thursday, February 16, 2023, at Hebron Baptist Church, 18715 Kanis Rd., Little Rock, Ark., with the funeral service scheduled at 1:30 p.m. Burial will follow in Pine Crest Memorial Park, 7401 Hwy 5 North, Alexander, Ark. 72002.

The family would like to thank Dr. Sam Makhoul and his staff at CARTI and the staff of Gentiva Hospice for their loving attention and excellent care. Also, a special thank you to Curtis and Carl for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to CARTI Cancer Center, 8901 Carti Way, Little Rock, Ark. 72205, or Hebron Baptist Church, 18715 Kanis Rd., Little Rock, Ark. 72223, or Gentiva Hospice, 10800 Financial Center Parkway, Suite 100, Little Rock, Ark. 72211.

Please share your memories and messages of love, comfort and support with Rex’s family at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.