Rommie Foster

R.M. (Rommie) Foster, 82, of Little Rock passed away peacefully Thursday, enveloped in the deep, abiding love of his large family. The public knew R.M. as the scrupulously honest, principled and hardworking owner of the iconic Foster's Garage in downtown Little Rock. But R.M. was also a steadfast Christian and devoted family man. He doted on his wife, Marilyn, their three sons and daughter, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He had high expectations of himself and others, but was always humble and willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. He lived a life based on compassion, honesty, kindness, humility and consideration a�" qualities that he inspired in his children and all who knew him. R.M. also was a fun-loving man with a gentle sense of humor. He enjoyed watching football, fishing for crappie, traveling, and listening to music and audio books. He was well-known for his passion for bacon and often arose in the dead of the night to fry a batch.

R.M. was born on Feb. 3, 1934, in North Little Rock, the youngest of Ruth Baker and R.M. Foster Sr.'s six children. R.M. married the prettiest girl he'd ever seen, Marilyn Harrison, on Sept. 7, 1951. Throughout his childhood, he worked at Foster's Garage with his father and brother. After serving as a U.S. Army paratrooper in 1953-55, he returned to his father's garage, later taking it over, then passing the reins to his sons when poor health forced him to retire.

Celebrate R.M.'s life and legacy with the family during visitation at 2-4 p.m. today, Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home. Funeral is 10 a.m. Monday, Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home with burial at Edgewood Cemetery. Sign guestbook at smithfamilycares.com.