SEARCY — G. Michael Millar,

69, died Aug. 31 at his home.

He was a good talker who knew

something about everything and rocked back and forth on his heels with his hands on his hips as he told stories.

He was crusty and irascible, but no one held it against him. He had a wry sense of humor, a sly smile and a twinkle in his eye. He was kind, smart and quietly generous.

For him, being an attorney was more than a vocation; it was an animating force. But he was also a man of many passions and skills: He was a carpenter, a builder of playhouses, toy weapons, bridges, cabins. He was a sailor, a fisherman, a fly tyer and an inveterate reader. He was a good friend. He loved his family.

Born May 2, 1951, in Little Rock, Mike was a graduate of Little Rock Hall High School, Hendrix College and the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. He practiced law in Searcy for 43 years, served as Searcy city attorney from 1978-2004 and was a special justice to the Arkansas Supreme Court in 2011. He was chairman of the board of Methodist Family Health and its foundation and former president of the Searcy Chamber of Commerce and the White County Bar Association. He was also past chairman of the board of First United Methodist Church, where he was a longtime member.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Caralou Millar.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; sister, Dana Millar of Hickory Creek, Texas; son, Lindsey (Caroline) of Little Rock; and grandsons, August and Emmett Millar.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Methodist Family Health Foundation, 1600 Aldersgate Road, Little Rock, Ark., 72205, or First United Methodist Church in Searcy.

A memorial service will held at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.