Walter S. "Walt" Mizell, M.D.

On February 25, 2018, the curtain closed on a class act. At 103 years old, Walter S. "Walt" Mizell, M.D., died peacefully in Little Rock, Arkansas. Our family mourns the loss of a great physician, patriot, and patriarch. Such sincere dedication has rarely been seen in today's society. He was born on January 8, 1915, in Corning, Arkansas to Earl L. Mizell and Artie B. (Scrivner) Mizell. As a young man, he joined the Marine Corps, as he did not weigh enough to get into the U. S. Army. He was a Marine for five years, and one of the ships to which he was assigned was the Battleship U.S.S. Arkansas. A degree from Ouachita Baptist University followed, culminating with marriage in 1942 to his wife of 75 years, Mary Jo (Lile) Mizell. The patriot served his country as an Infantry officer during World War II, followed by carrying out his ambition to go to Medical School (University of Arkansas.) After finishing his medical degree in 1950, it was back to the U.S. Army for his internship and residency in Psychiatry. This stint lasted 27+ years until his military retirement as a Lt. Colonel. After that, the family moved to Benton, Arkansas. For the next 20+ years, he dedicated his medical service as a physician and Medical Director of the Arkansas State Hospital in Benton. When it was time for a well-deserved retirement, he and Mary Jo moved to Parkway Village in Little Rock, where they lived for the next 33 years. During that time, they enjoyed travelling to all 50 states in the USA, China, Japan, and countries throughout Europe (Germany being their favorite). Retirement was also punctuated by a sparkling bevy of eight grandchildren who thrilled and loved their grateful grandparents. They were further blessed when the grandchildren presented them with 10 great-grandchildren. Family members loved Walt's stories about the extensive traveling he and Mary Jo did in earlier days. He also learned to speak fluent German and Japanese while in military service in World War II, stationed in Europe and in post-war occupation Japan. He and Mary Jo have been long-time members of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church in Little Rock, where they were married, followed by a honeymoon in Memphis, Tennessee. He is preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Lowell Mizell, Winton Mizell, Earl Mizell Jr., Alfreda Lawson, James Mizell, Lemuel Mizell, Willie Mizell, and his great-granddaughters, Weslee Mizell and Blakley Crow. Walt is survived by wife, Mary Jo (Lile) Mizell; children, Joe Mizell (Dianne) of Little Rock, Arkansas, David Mizell (Barbara) of Austin, Texas, Philip Mizell (Mary Ann) of Little Rock, Arkansas; brother, John Mizell of Greenville, Texas. Grandchildren are Molly Steely (Don), Mark Mizell (Robin), Katie Corlin (Greg), Levon Mizell, Amy Henn (Steve), Jon Mizell, Ben Mizell (Sarah), Katherine Crow (Trent). The great-grandchildren are Andrew Steely (Mikala Wooley, fiancée), Madeline Steely, Elizabeth Steely, Jack Corlin, Madeleine Corlin, Hannah Corlin, Deacon Henn, Charlee Mizell, Micah Mizell, and Tucker Crow. The memorial service will be 3 p.m., Thursday, March 1, 2018 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home Chapel, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas with visitation following the service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, or First Baptist Church of Benton, 211 S. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas 72015. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Parkway Health Center for their care and dedication. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.