Garland Edward Massanelli

Garland E. "Tim" Massanelli, 85, of Little Rock, passed away February 12, 2018. He was born January 6, 1933 in Goat Shed, Arkansas to Evo and Cesira Massanelli. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter-in-law, Donna Stanford Massanelli. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dorothy "Dottie"; sons, Steve (Paula) of Pine Bluff, Chip (Donna) of North Little Rock, and Randy (Laurie) of Fayetteville; sisters, Elizabeth Smith of Springdale, Helen Langlinais of Houston, Texas and Linda Smith of Springdale; grandchildren, Mallory Cooper (Jarrod) of Atlanta, Ga., Megan Massanelli of Pittsburgh, Pa., Daniel Massanelli of Little Rock, Marykate Massanelli of Little Rock, Madelyn Massanelli of Fayetteville, Jackson Massanelli of North Little Rock, Parker Massanelli of North Little Rock; and, great-grandson, Ford Cooper of Atlanta, Ga. He grew up in the Pine Bluff area and graduated from Annunciation Academy and Pine Bluff High School. He was a gifted and persuasive speaker and was a member of the debate team and winner of the Danforth speaking award in high school. The quote from the school in his high school yearbook best described his stature and personality. "The atom bomb didn't take up much room either." He attended Drury University in Springfield, Missouri for a short time before returning to Pine Bluff to manage his family farm due to an illness suffered by his father. After farming, he owned several businesses and was President of Wilcox Amusement, Co., a coin operated machine business as well as Vice President of Holsum Baking Company both located in Pine Bluff. He served as a director on the boards of Jefferson Regional Medical Center and Rosswood Country Club. While living in Pine Bluff he was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and for many years served on the budget and finance committees of the church. He was a Grand Knight of the third degree of the Knight of Columbus, State Secretary of the third degree and served as Faithful Navigator of the fourth degree. In 1981 he was ordained as a deacon through the Permanent Diaconate in the Catholic Church and served first at St. Joseph's parish in Pine Bluff and later at Holy Souls parish in Little Rock. He began employment with the Arkansas House of Representatives in 1973 and became the Parliamentarian in 1975 and served in that position for 38 years until his retirement in 2013. During that time, he served nineteen Speakers of the House, seven governors, and over a thousand house members. His career in public service and in the church, was summarized by a quote that he carried in his pocket. " I hope my work is valued by its service to others and not by its outward importance." In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to either the Catholic Relief Services charitable organization (crs.org), or the Tim Massanelli College Scholarship Fund at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The scholarship is for those pursuing a degree in Political Science and was established by members of the house upon his retirement from the Arkansas House of Representatives. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation for the care, compassion, and dignity given by the nursing and medical staff at UAMS. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 15 at Holy Souls Catholic Church in Little Rock, with a Rosary to follow immediately afterwards. A mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 16 at Holy Souls, with interment to follow at a later date. Please share your stories and memories with his family at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.