Robert Dale Wingfield

Robert Dale Wingfield, while surrounded by his family, went to be with his Lord, Wednesday evening, February 19, 2014. Robert was born on April 24, 1938 in Magazine, Arkansas to his proud parents, Claud and Mae Moon Wingfield. After a brief move to Conway, the Wingfield family moved back to the Magazine area where Robert attended Magazine public school from the 2nd through the 12th grades. While there, he was active in choir, basketball, Future Farmers of America, and student leadership. In the 11th grade, Robert began dating the love of his life, Willa Dean Starling. When Dean left for the University of Arkansas a year later, Robert made sure he traveled with her parents on many weekends to visit. Robert and Dean married on June 23rd, 1956. They were both 18. Robert and Dean then attended Harding University and both graduated in 1960. Robert would go on to complete two master's degrees, one in religion and the other in counseling. The young couple survived with Robert preaching weekends in western Arkansas. After college, Robert and Dean moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico where Robert served as youth minister for the Fox and Lake Church of Christ. In the fall of 1961, they moved to Ipswich, England where Robert preached for an Air Force congregation and Dean taught school on the Bentwaters Air Force Base. After living in England for 2 1/2 years, the Wingfields moved back to Paris, Ark. in 1964 where Robert preached for the Paris Church of Christ. After about eight months, the elders from the Church in Carlsbad made a trip to Paris and asked Robert and Dean to move back and serve as pulpit minister at the Fox and Lake Church. While living in Carlsbad once again, Ellen and Jeff joined the family. In 1968, Robert and Dean, along with their children, moved to North Little Rock, Ark. to work with the Sylvan Hills Church of Christ. Robert would spend the next 13 years serving as pulpit minister for the congregation. Barry made his appearance during their time at Sylvan Hills, completing the family of five. From 1981-1989, Robert served on staff as Counselor for the Sixth and Izard Church of Christ. He returned to Sylvan Hills in 1990 to serve as Senior's Minister/ Counselor. Robert retired from Sylvan Hills in 2012. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Claud and Mae Wingfield, and a grandson, Bryan Emerson Binford. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Dean Wingfield of Sherwood; sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Gene Remy of Fayetteville; daughter and son-in-law, Ruth Ellen and Matt Binford; sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey Mark and Judy Wingfield, and Barry John and Alicia Wingfield; grandchildren, Daniel and Katherine Wingfield, Tyler Binford, Caleb Binford, Mikaila Wingfield, Jake Wingfield, Jeremiah Wingfield, and R.J. Coleman. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other family and friends, all of whom remember Robert for his spiritual influence and sense of humor. Robert was passionate about his wife, children, and grandchildren. Robert's love also extended to his church family and the many others he met along the way. The hole he has left in our lives is only bearable because of the wonderful memories we share, the example he left us to follow, and our anticipation in knowing we will be reunited one day. Visitation will be held Friday, February 21st from 5-7 p.m. at the Sylvan Hills Church of Christ, 117 West Maryland, Sherwood, Ark. 72120. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, February 22nd, at 10 a.m. at the Sylvan Hills Church of Christ and a graveside service will follow at the Evan's Cemetery in Magazine, Ark. at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be made to the Sylvan Hills Church of Christ.