Maurice Herbert Soltz

Maurice Herbert Soltz, 86, of Petit Jean Mountain, died Saturday, March 21, 2015 in Little Rock, his former home for many years. Maurice was born November 22, 1928 in Pine Bluff, the son of Hyman and Miriam Joseph Eisenkramer Soltz. He was reared and received his early education in Pine Bluff and earned his high school diploma from Columbia Military Academy in Lebanon, Tennessee. Maurice earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee and attended Vanderbilt Law School before serving as an artillery meteorologist in the U.S. Army, including service in Japan during the Korean War. There were two things Maurice always had, a smile and a story. He hunted and fished with his friends at every opportunity including memorable times at the "Ace Club." He owned and raced horses with friends, and delighted in telling stories of fish caught and races won or lost. He could pilot an airplane, sell to a total stranger, pitch a lure to the exact location and bluff with a 2-7 in the hole. He was the consummate sports enthusiast. He followed the Razorbacks, Cardinals, Astros and his beloved Commodores. In his later years the television provided an opportunity to continue the hunting, fishing and poker that he had enjoyed as a participant in earlier years. Maurice was in the industrial equipment business for his professional life. He bought and sold equipment, principally lift trucks, all over the country. He owned and operated Clarklift of Arkansas. He could recall every sale and every piece of equipment and delighted in telling the stories. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Rosalie Eisenkramer, and nephew, Henry Matthew Seale. Survivors include his wife, Gerry Eilbott Soltz, whom he married July 1, 1975 in Hot Springs; sister, Marilyn Kay and her husband, Joel P. Kay, of Houston, Texas. brother-in-law, Don Eilbott and his wife, Mari, of Little Rock; several nieces and nephews, Arthur H. Kay and his wife, Rebecca, of Houston, Texas, Sarah DeLachica and her husband, Ernest, of Houston, Leslie Strug and her husband, Paul, of Houston, William Eisenkramer and his wife, Kathryn, of Hot Springs, Lee Eilbott of Memphis, Tennessee and Jo Ann Moss and her husband, Denny, of Memphis; and several great-nieces and great-nephews, Howard Kay, Hannah Kay, Madeline Strug, Brandon Strug, Aaron Dean Eisenkramer and Lori Graves. The family expresses appreciation to Sandy Coble for her untiring care. A memorial service will be 2 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2015 at the Temple B'Nai Israel in Little Rock with Rabbi Barry Block officiating. Burial will be private. A reception will follow the service at the Temple. Arrangements were handled by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors in Pine Bluff (online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com). Memorials may be made to Temple B'Nai Israel, 3700 North Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72212.