William Pinkney Dortch Jr.

William Pinkney Dortch Jr., 86, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2015. He was born on October 30, 1928 in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late William Pinkney Dortch and Alice Knowles Dortch. He was a 1947 graduate of Little Rock Central High School and attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He was the 3rd generation of his family to operate the Marlsgate Plantation in Scott, Arkansas. He remained a lifelong farmer and also worked as a crop insurance adjuster. Having spent his entire life in the agricultural community, he served in many leadership roles and was frequently sought out for his counsel regarding matters relating to the industry. He was still active at the time of his death. He had numerous stories of flying with his friend Floyd Fulkerson. Bill and Floyd would take a drive every Saturday around Scott, Arkansas; which surely was the highpoint of each other's week. He was selected Farmer of the Year in 1963 by the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Agricultural Stabilization Committee, a board member of the Cotton Producers Institute, president of the Pulaski County Farm Bureau and Arkansas Farm Representative for "Partners for the Americas" in Costa Rica in 1970. He served as president of the farm cooperative, Scott Products; president of Dixie Gin Company; commissioner of the Baucum Levee Board; member of the Arkansas Basin Association; chairman of the Lonoke County Budget Committee and board member of the Farm and Ranch Club. He was active in many civic roles, which included the Democratic Central Committee, Justice of the Peace (Dortch Township-Lonoke County), chairman of the Lonoke County March of Dimes and board member of the Pulaski County American Red Cross. He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is survived by his son, William Pinkney Dortch, IV and his wife, Katherine, of Little Rock, Arkansas; his daughter, Madalyn Toy Dortch of Scott, Arkansas; grandsons Will Dortch and his wife, Kadie of Maumelle, Arkansas; Brian Sowell and his wife, Cristy, of Little Rock, Arkansas; and David Johnson and his wife, Bethany, and great-grandson, Carter of Scott, Arkansas. A private service will be held under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home at the Dortch Family Mausoleum at Oakland Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas. Memorials may be made to Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock, Arkansas. Online register available at www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.