Mike Huckabay Sr

MIKE HUCKABAY SR. died on Oct. 1, 2014. He was born on June 14, 1940, in Houma, La. to Dorrothie and James Preston Huckabay. He spent part of his childhood in Venezuela with his family before moving to Clarksville, Ark., where he graduated from Clarksville High School. While in Clarksville, he had a horse named Lucky whom he loved. Mike graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in 1962 with a degree in Political Science. In 1965, he earned his law degree from Vanderbilt Law School. He began his law career in Little Rock at the law firm Pope, Pratt and Shamberger, after which he practiced with Tom Gentry. He was then recruited by his beloved senior partner, Sam Laser, in the early 1970s to the firm which soon became Laser, Sharp, Haley, Young and Huckabay. In 1984, Mike founded the law firm Huckabay, Munson, Tilley and Rowlett. In 2011, he and his son began the Huckabay Law Firm, where he practiced with Kathryn Knisley and Jay Sayes. Mike was a trial lawyer of great skill and was well respected as an advocate by both the bench and bar throughout Arkansas. As recognition of his skills as a trial lawyer, Mike was a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, a member of the International Society of Barristers, a diplomat of the American Board of Trial Advocates, as well as a member of the Arkansas and Pulaski County Bar Associations. Mike faced his diagnosis of cancer with courage and grace. He fought his illness with great dignity, strength, strong faith and even humor. Mike is survived by his wife, Nancy, and his children, D. Michael Huckabay Jr. and Layne Keenan. He is also survived by his grandchildren Samantha and Natalie Huckabay and Huck and Sam Keenan and his step-children Katharine Allen Adams, Justin Couch and his wife Katie, Leland Couch and his wife Vanessa and Patrick Couch. Mike is also survived by four step-grandchildren. Other survivors are his sister Patsy Bradley of Russellville, his brother Danny Huckabay of Dover and their families. Mike was a natural trial lawyer, having tried over 450 jury trials. He praised those who made and seized opportunity for themselves not only in the practice of law but in life. Mike was a devoutly faithful man who loved animals. Mike and his family are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from his family, friends, co-workers and fellow members of the bar. Particular thanks are given to the superb physicians, nurses and staff of UAMS and Arkansas Hospice. A memorial service will be held Monday, Oct. 6, 2014 at 3 p.m. in Second Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pulaski County Humane Society, 14600 Colonel Glenn Rd, Little Rock, AR 72210, or Second Presbyterian Church, 600 Pleasant Valley Dr, Little Rock, AR 72227. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home: www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.