Ted Wagnon

Ted William Wagnon passed away peacefully, with an uncharacteristic absence of words, after a brief and sudden illness on Saturday, June 13, 2020. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Karen Ligon Wagnon, and his children, Amy Wike (Patrick) of Springdale, Arkansas, Carissa Holsted (Adam) of North Little Rock, Arkansas, and Jody McDonnell (Cari) of Austin, Texas. His grandchildren, Ruby and Arden McDonnell and Max and Sam Wike, were his pride and joy. Recently, he was excited to welcome new grandsons, Jacob, Kobie, and Dylan Holsted, to the family. He is also survived by a host of extended family, friends, and acquaintances from near and far. Ted was preceded in death by his father, Luke Wagnon, mother, Margie Wagnon, and brothers, Doni and Ricky Wagnon.

Born on January 3, 1952, Ted grew up in Stephens, Arkansas, graduating from Arkansas State University. He was a master storyteller for newspapers across Arkansas and co-founded Arkansas Business. He wrote and talked his way through life in Florida, Maine, Texas, and Arkansas again, telling stories for a variety of companies and making many friends along the way.

If you knew Ted (Big Daddy to some), you know his appreciation for words permeated every part of his life. Lunch dates ran a little long. Text conversations wandered from lettuce to Abe Lincoln. Quick questions became half-hour phone calls. He delighted in a good story, especially if it involved his family. To hear him talk, his family was at the top of their game, personally and professionally. They would grow up to be world-class comedians, parents, authors, executives--the best at anything they attempted. Yes, he was prone to exaggeration, but he used his words and stories to celebrate those he loved, to remind them that they mattered, and to build up their faith in themselves. His stories told his family how much he loved them.

Ever the adventurer, Ted was always in pursuit of unexpected beauty and humor. His joy and laughter were incomplete, though, until he had shared his treasures with others. He shared his outdoor wanderings through his (frequently over-edited) photographs. When he had a new joke to share, he often laughed more as he shared it than when he heard it the first time. He would scour the local gardening center to find the perfect plant for that empty spot in your yard. He appreciated art and music, especially if it was witty or unconventional. His children grew up giggling at The Far Side comics and singing Harry Nilsson’s “Put the Lime in the Coconut” at the top of their lungs, with him singing and giggling along.

We miss his words and stories. We look forward to loving each other fiercely, looking for unexpected beauty in the world, and lingering a little longer to share a story, just as he has always done.

Due to the current health precautions, the family will be holding a private graveside service. Big Daddy was the only one in the family who could keep a plant alive, so we ask that in lieu of flowers you help us honor his generous spirit by becoming an organ donor, giving to the Arkansas Foodbank, or adopting an angel from the Salvation Army tree.