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Well-known Searcy ambassador and visionary Wayne Hartsfield passed away Wednesday at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock after a short illness. Hartsfield served as Chairman of the White County Medical Center Board of Directors and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Regions Bank in Searcy. He was also a leader in education and economic development for the region and state. “A long-time close personal friend, leader in the community and leader in the state will be greatly missed by all,” said Governor Mike Beebe. Hartsfield, 75, served on the White County Medical Center’s board since the formation of the hospital in 1967. He became chairman of the board in 1988 and had held this position ever since. He was an effective leader for WCMC and was active in promoting a healthy community in Searcy and the surrounding area for many years. “Mr. Hartsfield has been a leader for White County Medical Center and the city of Searcy for many years,” WCMC President and CEO said. “Mr. Hartsfield was a powerful leader, but a friend to all. We are deeply saddened by his passing and our thoughts and prayers go to his family during their time of loss.” Hartsfield was recognized for his commitment to high quality healthcare service in 2004, when he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Arkansas Hospital Association. “Today the Hartsfield family, his friends and the banking profession have suffered a great loss,” Donnie Miller, President, Regions Bank in Searcy said. “Wayne Hartsfield has been a visionary for the growth of Arkansas and especially White County. His leadership in banking, healthcare, education and economic development has improved the quality of life for all citizens.” “He was a tireless worker for the benefit of the community whose advice and counsel was sought by many and respected by all. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family along with a grateful thank you for sharing him with us,” Miller added. Hartsfield, a native of Searcy, graduated from Searcy High School in 1952 and went on to obtain degrees from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking held at Rutgers University. In January 2004, Hartsfield was included in the first class inducted into the Searcy Education Foundation Hall of Honor. He served as an Army officer after graduation from college and became a captain in the Army Reserve prior to joining First National Bank. In 2002, Mr. Hartsfield was recognized for his many civic contributions by being given the Humanitarian of the Year award by the Searcy Chamber of Commerce. Hartsfield currently served as President of the Searcy Regional Economic Development Board; Treasurer of the Metro Little Rock Regional Alliance; Chairman, Searcy Long Range Planning of Streets and Roads Committee, Chairman, City of Searcy Public Education Facilities Board and on the Board of Directors, Arkansas Chamber of Commerce, and on the Board of Directors, Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. Among his other past civic activities included: Board of Directors, United Way of White County; Board of Directors, Little Rock Branch Federal Reserve Bank; Arkansas State Board of Education; Arkansas State University Board of Trustees; Past President, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce; Past President, Arkansas Bankers Association; Past President, Searcy Chamber of Commerce; Past President, ASU Alumni Association; Past President, Searcy Lions Club; Past President, White County Conservation District; Founding Board member and Chairman of CARTI-Searcy; US Army 1956-57, retired as Captain Army Reserve 1968 and numerous other activities. Hartsfield was an active member of First Baptist Church in Searcy where he and his wife Suzy have been members for many years. |
