FAYETTEVILLE — John Harrison Tolleson,

age 83, died Oct. 6, 2020, of complications of Parkinson’s Disease at the Willard Walker Hospice Ho m e . He died with the great love of his life, Gail, and his four daughters by his side.

John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gail Cooper Tolleson; daughters Jennifer ( Brenda), Leslie ( Randy), Julie ( Pam) and Susannah (Doug); and grandchildren Harrison, Tag, Spencer, Clare, David and Rory.

He was predeceased by his beloved parents, H.G. and Jo Harrison Tolleson of Greenwood, Ark.

John is also survived by his dogs, Samuel-George and Hope, who he loved unfailingly, and who miss him every day.

John was born in Board Camp, Ark., and grew up in Greenwood. Throughout his life he remained deeply connected to his hometown (taking the Greenwood Democrat until his death), and was inducted into Greenwood High School’s Hall of Honor in 2011.

It was during his childhood in Greenwood he developed his lifelong love of music and learned to play instruments, including, most enduringly, the piano. His love of music in all of its diversity vitalized and sustained him all his days, from his early rock ‘n’ roll band, to his ongoing songwriting, to playing the trombone in brass bands, to singing in the church choir.

His children grew up in a home that was filled from room to room, ceiling to floor, birth to last days, with his music. Music flowed through him, his own songs reflecting the depth of his heart, including his great love of the Ozarks, old cars, and Gail.

John attended the University of Arkansas, graduating in 1959 with a degree in music education, and in 1961 with a degree in business. He devoted his career to, first, the Baldwin Piano and Organ Company, a job he loved that took his family to Chicago, Phoenix, and Cincinnati. Later, with honor and pride, he represented the University of Arkansas as a development officer.

Back in Arkansas he cheered his beloved Razorbacks and made a home with Gail on Mount Sequoyah. John was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville (where he served as senior warden) and the Rotary Club of Fayetteville (for which he was president 2014-15).

To the organizations he served he gave his all and received so much in return. In matters of work, family, and friendship, he was a happy and grateful man. Above all, his relationship to Gail held and sustained him. Theirs was a true love story.

John was fun, always willing to try new things. He loved roller coasters, all kinds of foods, quirky roadside attractions, and challenges of all kinds ( like hiking and cycling). John was kind and openhearted, generous with friends and strangers alike.

In a Sam Walter Foss poem (1898) it is written, “Let me live in my house by the side of the road and be a friend to man.” In just this way, John was, like his own father, always there to lend a hand and give everyone a chance. He had that rare combination of wisdom, humor, and complete sincerity.

Hopeful and optimistic, John looked for and found the good in every person he met along the way. He was forgiving and understanding. He was naturally lighthearted, possessing an innocence made possible by his open heart and mind. He laughed easily and often, evoking joy in those around him. He was goodness. This is his legacy.

John Tolleson was a loving and deeply loved husband, father, and friend. He will be forever missed. Gifts may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Fayetteville. https://www.stpaulsfay.org/give; 224 N. East Ave., Fayetteville, Ark., 70701. To sign the online guestbook please visit www.nelsonberna.com