Obituaries

Robert Mark Story

Photo of Robert Mark Story
Robert Mark Story, 52, of Searcy passed away Thursday morning, Nov. 10, 2016 after his brief battle with cancer. Mark was born in Houston, Texas on Oct. 25, 1964 to Kenneth and Patsy Story of Searcy, Ark. He is survived by his wife, Rayanne Adams (Head), his three daughters, Sarah, Rachel and Emily; his parents, Ken and Patsy Story; one sister-in-law, Amanda and Jason Hufford, two nieces, Arden, Laney and a nephew, Cohen; and a host of friends and family. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Lloyd and Dollie Story; Paul and Imogene Morris; and his best friend, Malcolm Howell. A 1987 graduate of Harding University, Mark received his MBA in 2008 and currently working toward his doctoral degree at UALR while simultaneously acting as Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Human Services. Mark led all financial and budgetary activities for the $8 billion agency, including health care, child welfare, and adult protective services. His unique knowledge of Medicaid finance was invaluable to the State of Arkansas and, because of his work, Arkansas is able to provide health care for over half a million children, as well as adults with disabilities, the elderly, and the poor. A 1983 graduate of Harding Academy, Mark graduated with a 4.0 and lettered in football, basketball and track. At Harding, Mark graduated from the College of Business and Administration with a BS in accounting; was a member of the Titans Men's Social Club and currently served as one of the Titans' sponsors. Mark was also a member of the President's Council at Harding. A CPA, Mark was a member of the National Association of State Human Services Finance Officers – National Newsletter Editor and Planning Committee and a member of Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business Administration. An avid Razorback fan, Mark was an even bigger fan of his daughters' sports and school activities, coaching softball for the Searcy Youth Softball League in which the girls played and was a strong advocate. Mark's strong voice for the things he believed in also provided him the ability to sing and lead singing in church. He loved music, golf, travel and reading and shared these gifts with his friends and family. Mark was a member of the College Church of Christ and a Deacon while a member at the West Side Church of Christ in Searcy. Visitation will be at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home, 411 East Race Street in Searcy on Monday, Nov. 14 from 5-7 p.m. A memorial service will be Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 1:30 p.m. at West Side Church of Christ, 709 West Arch in Searcy. In lieu of flowers and to invest in the future, the family has set up a scholarship in honor of Mark at Harding University, 915 E. Market, Box 12238, Searcy, Ark. 72149.

Published November 13, 2016

Upcoming Events