Gary H. Kell

Gary H. Kell, 71, of Hot Springs, Ark. passed away June 29, 2012. Gary was a senior at Little Rock Central during the 1957-1958 school year, he left high school in January of 1958 to join the U.S. Navy. Gary spent two years at the U.S. Navy base in Pensacola, Florida and one ½ years on the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea in the South Pacific. Upon leaving the Navy, Gary worked two years as route manager for the Coca Cola Co. He then worked five years as a railway mail clerk for the U.S. Postal Service. In 1969, Gary found the job he loved, working for 30 years as a mortgage banker. Gary was employed by Lomas and Nettleton Mortgage Banking Co. from 1969 to 1976, then by Worthen Mortgage Co. from 1976-1979 as Sr. Vice-President. In 1979 he went back to Lomas Mortgage USA, in Dallas, as Sr. Vice-President and stayed in that position until 1984 when he was promoted to Executive Vice-President, serving from 1984-1994. In 1994 Gary was promoted to President where he served until Lomas sold to a bank in 1997. Gary also served as President of the Arkansas Mortgage Bankers Association in1974. Gary invested in real estate; he bought and sold over 50 single family homes and was a partner in many apartments and condo projects. After retiring in 1997, Gary moved to Hot Springs. He and his family loved Lake Hamilton and built a home on the lake. Gary also loved to spend time at Oaklawn Race Track. He loved to travel with his wife, Sharon; they visited 46 out of the 50 states. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Jessie Kell; his loving in-laws, Betty and Clyde Karnes and his brother-in-law, Larry Parker. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 52 ½ years, Sharon; his brother, Dan Kell and wife Pam; his sister, Mary Parker; a daughter, Karen Snow; a son, Tony Kell and his wife Stacy, and three grandchildren; Jaclyn Kell, Haley Kell, and Jake Kell. Gary will be missed by his family and friends. Gary wanted to send a special thank you to Hospice Home Care, the Doctors and Nurses on the 4 floor, west wing and to Dr. Kota and the chemotherapy staff at Mercy Cancer Center. The funeral service will be at 12, Tuesday, July 3, 2012 in the chapel of Griffin Leggett Forest Hills, 10200 Hwy 5 N., Alexander, Ark. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Ark. The family will receive friends from 11-12 before the service. Pastor Wade Longcrier will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Garland County Humane Society.