Obituaries

HINDSVILLE — Velma Gertrude Bolin, 85, died December 8. Born March 17, 1928. Survivors: Linda Watts, seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral Saturday, December 14, at 2 p.m., Sisco Funeral Chapel. Visitation Friday, 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolence at www.siscofuneral.com.

LITTLE ROCK — Dr. Guy Forrest Gardner, 63, passed away on December 9th, 2013. He was born on June 7, 1950, in Russellville, Arkansas. His parents were Betty Lemley Gardner and Dr. Ellis Gardner.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Brigita Krasts Gardner; his son Dr. Edward Gardner and wife Nancy of Little Rock, Rebekah Gardner Feather and husband Michael of Dallas, Texas; four grandchildren, Julianna and Audrey Gardner of Little Rock, Jacob Guy and Kathryn Feather of Dallas, Texas; his sister, Mary Gardner of Fayetteville; his aunt Wadena Lemely of California; his mother-in-law Monta Krasts of Little Rock; and five nieces. He was preceded in death by his brother, Honorable Richard E. Gardner, Jr. and his grandson, Ellis Gardner.

He attended Russellville public schools and was the Arkansas state AA golf champion in 1966. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a B.A. in chemistry. He received his Doctor of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS.) His internship and residency in Otolaryngology were also at UAMS. He practiced otolaryngology in Little Rock for twenty-four years. He discovered a talent for medical management and became a fellow of the American College of Physician Executives. He worked as a Medical Director for Arkansas Health Group and became the first Chief Medical Officer for the Baptist Health System until his retirement in September of 2013.

He was a life-long Presbyterian and an elder. He was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church where he served on the Relocation Task Force and the Pulpit Nominating Committee. He loved playing golf but was passionate about upland game bird hunting. He spent many days with his bird dogs in the fields of Texas, Kansas, North Dakota, and his beloved Montana. He was a Kappa Sigma, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Fellow of the American College of Physician Executives, and a member of Pleasant Valley Country Club.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the physicians and nurses at Baptist Hospital who were excellent caregivers, friends, and advisers.

In lieu of flowers, the family, requests that memorials be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church or the Baptist Health Foundation in Little Rock.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 14th, at 2 p.m. in Trinity Presbyterian Church. Jeff Price will officiate. Burial will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www. ruebelfuneralhome.com.