R. Dale Christy

R. Dale Christy, 90, passed away December 26, 2019, at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Arkansas. He was born November 21, 1929, in Kittanning, Pennsylvania to Marshall and Kathryn Christy. After relocating to Ft. Smith, in the 1940's, Dale graduated from Northside High School in 1947. He attended the University of Arkansas and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. While attending the U of A, Dale was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity where he was pledge #500. During college, Dale also met Helen Ruth Watkins, of Harrison, and they were married in 1951. Dale began a lifelong career in Chamber of Commerce administration, where he held leadership positions in Muskogee, Oklahoma, along with Fordyce, Rogers and Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was instrumental in assisting business growth in Northwest Arkansas including the opening of Walmart stores. Following retirement in 1991, Dale served the Northwest Arkansas Tourism Association while living in Bella Vista. He was inducted into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame in 2005. Dale also served as Treasurer for Highlands United Methodist Church and on the Advisory Board of Arvest Bank. Dale is survived by his wife, Helen Ruth Christy, of Bella Vista, daughter Charlotte Faucette (John) of Fayetteville, son Alan Christy (Nancy) of Fayetteville, son Scott Christy (Becky) of Springdale, daughter Sandra Smith (Bart), of Bentonville, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Arkansas, 10201 W. Markham, Suite 100, Little Rock, Ark. 72205 or Highlands United Methodist Church, 371 Glasgow Rd., Bella Vista, Ark. 72715. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 11th, at 10 a.m., at Highlands United Methodist Church in Bella Vista. Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralmation.com.