Paul Hartness

Paul J. Hartness of Sherwood, AR went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ Saturday, July 6, 2019 at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, TN. Paul, 77, was born to the late Ira and Louise Hartness of Monticello, AR on February 25, 1942.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years Marie, sister Shirley Hickman of Little Rock, sister-in-law Shirley Knox of Sherwood, brother-in-law Buddy Bevill (wife Sammie) of Blytheville, son Nathan Hartness of Ward, daughter Cecilia McBrier (husband Bobby) of Hensley, niece Denyce Frisco (husband Tony) of Little Rock, step-daughters Vicky Bradley (husband Tony) of Sherwood and Sherry Cox (husband Dave) of Benton, and step-son Jeff Jenkins (wife Amy) of Little Rock. He was not only a loving husband and father, but also a wonderful grandfather of 8 grandchildren: Candace Angel of Phoenix, AZ, Ashely Rankin of Little Rock, Hallie Henderson (husband Sean) of Ward, Missy McBrier of Ward, Natalie Payne (husband Matt) of Cabot, Shannon Hanks (husband Kyle) of Sherwood, and Jennifer Furstenberg (husband Jeremy) of Rogers, Julie Harrelson of Bryant. He also cherished 8 great grandchildren: Savannah and Avery Angel, Avalynn Rima, Hunter Hall, Mallory Payne, Heelyn Hanks, Olivia Furstenberg, and Stayton Poachhacker; called “grandpa” by most but latest named “p-paw” by Olivia aged 27 months.

Paul did not meet a stranger; he truly enjoyed getting to meet everyone he came in contact with; he had countless dear friends. After receiving his Bachelors from The University of Arkansas-Monticello, he taught at Old Union High School, Eudora Public School, and the Arkansas School for the Blind. He received his Masters from Henderson State University then taught at Fuller Junior High and finally retiring from J.A. Fair High School. Paul proudly served 35 honorable years in the Arkansas Army National Guard. After retirement, he loved volunteering at the North Little Rock High School library and summertime at Baptist Hospital–Springhill. He loved dressing up as Santa every year for countless Christmas parties. Paul was a long-time member of Park Hill Baptist Church. He loved seeing shows, especially the yearly Disney On Ice show at Verizon Arena with Shannon and Heelyn. Paul also loved to travel. Unfortunately, he was on one such trip when he fell and was hospitalized. He would tell you he’s on his last trip, heaven bound, and would hope you too find Jesus and will gladly greet you when you arrive!

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at Smith-North Little Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., with funeral service at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, July 11 in the Funeral Home Chapel with military honors.  Inurnment will be in the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery on a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Special Olympics, 2115 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114. Please visit for online guest register: www.smithfamilycares.com