Obituaries

Arthur Virgil Hope

Photo of Arthur Virgil Hope
Arthur Virgil Hope, 86, of Little Rock, Arkansas, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, July 13, 2017. He was known to many as Art or A.V or Papaw. Art was born June 16, 1931, in Malvern, Arkansas, to James Arthur and Mary Winborne Hope. He was raised in Prattsville, Arkansas, graduated from Sheridan High School, and attended the University of Arkansas earning a degree in Civil Engineering. While in college he met his wife, Barbara Wester Hope, on a blind date at Lake Wedington. They married in 1953. Art was a member of the Omega Omega Chapter of Sigma Chi. After graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army of Corps of Engineers. When he completed his service, he worked for the Arkansas Highway Department, ARKLA Gas Company, and was a home builder. He later worked in, and had a passion for, sales. He was very creative and had a number of inventions. He could build or fix anything. Art was a long time member of First Baptist Church of Little Rock. His faith was of upmost importance to him, and he shared his faith often leading many to Christ. He had a passion for the homeless and jobless, often bringing them into his home. Art enjoyed hunting, fishing, and time with his family, but most especially with Barbara. Art was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bill Hope, and a host of extended family and friends. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 64 years, Barbara Hope; his sister, Sue Flowers; his children. Ron Hope (Mary Katharyn), Jim Hope (Susan), Alan Hope (Lisa), and Nancy Burks (Dennis); his grandchildren, Rachel Arnold (Chris), Laura Gowan (Trey), John Arthur Hope, Leslie Harris (Mac), Weston Hope, Adam Hope, Helen Hope, Olivia Hope, Hope Burks, Luke Burks (Jennifer) and Rebecca Burks; and his great-grandchild, Henry Arnold. His grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. A celebration of Art's life will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, July 16, 2017 at Little Rock's First Baptist Church with a visitation to follow. Interment will be Saturday at Philadelphia Cemetery in Grant County. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 62 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72212. Art would want you to know that he is doing "fantastic." Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

Published July 15, 2017

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