Walter Thomas Jennings

Walter "Bill" Thomas Jennings Jr., 74, of Little Rock passed away on October 2, 2019. He was born in Heber Springs, AR on October 25, 1944 to Walter Thomas Jennings, Sr., and Elva (McCarty) Jennings. Bill had a lifelong career with Southwestern Bell/ATT rising to the executive level. He traveled widely in his career including many years spent as President of Southwestern Bell in Asia based in Beijing, China. After retiring he enjoyed using his talents at Dale Carnegie to train executives. Bill was a dedicated volunteer, including serving as President for Master Gardeners of Arkansas. He was a dedicated member of many organizations including Keep Little Rock Beautiful and Arkansas Academy of Engineers. Bill was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. Bill was a steadfast presence in our lives. He was kind, warm and loved people…an open-hearted man who was close to extended family and friends around the world. Everyone was welcome into his home wherever he lived. His time in the Army gave him the opportunity to see the world and he appreciated the perspective it gave him. He encouraged us to experience the world, just as he encouraged us in our education and to be our best selves. Bill leaves that legacy to us. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Billie Graham Jennings of Little Rock, Ark.; son, Bryan Jennings (Janna) of Benton, Ark., daughter, Briana Jennings (Antolin) of Madrid, Spain; grandchildren, Zachary Jennings, Lane Jennings, Cody Diez, Dixie Diez, and Elva Diez; and sister, Jenni Doris Jennings. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Maurice Jennings and sister, Thelma Jennings. Funeral Services will be at 1:15 p.m. Saturday, October 5th at the Anthony Chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens, 550 Arkridge Rd., Hot Springs, Ark. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arkansas Master Gardeners Program, 2301 S. University Avenue, Little Rock, Ark. 72204. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. Bill's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.