Lawrence Ervin Bearden, age 86, of Little Rock, formerly Smackover, passed away at his home on Monday, February 3, 2025. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, his life was one of deep faith, service, and unwavering love for his family.

Born in Chidester, Arkansas, to Walter and Ruby Bearden on April 14,1938, Lawrence graduated from Fairview High School before attending Southern State College (now SAU). In 1961, he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration, setting the stage for a lifetime of leadership. During his time at SAU, he served as president of the Student Government Association and was a dedicated member of the Wesley Foundation—where he met the love of his life, Ann Oliver Bearden. They married in 1961 and celebrated 63 years of marriage, building a life centered around faith, family, and community.

Lawrence and Ann raised their three sons, Richard, the late David, and Mark, instilling in them the values of hard work, integrity, and service. He was adored by his grandchildren and great granddaughter.

He had a deep appreciation for education, dedicating 12 years to the Smackover School District's Board of Directors, including as president, in addition to a four-term term on the SAU Foundation's Board of Governors, including three years as chairman. In 2016, he was appointed by Governor Asa Hutchinson to the SAU Board of Trustees, serving during a transformative period of growth that saw the construction of new residence halls, the Presidential Home, the Poultry Science Center, and the renovation of the Alumni Center at both SAU and SAU Tech. His leadership and generosity were instrumental in the establishment of an endowment for the SAU band program, leading to the naming of the band hall in honor of his father-in-law, Richard O. Oliver, SAU's first band director.

Lawrence led a distinguished professional career. He was a veteran of the United States Army Reserves, completing his Basic Infantry at Ft. Benning, GA in 1957, serving as commander of the 238th Transportation Company of Camden, the 458th USARl Stock Control Company of El Dorado, and retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after 28 years of service. He worked for BHP as a production foreman, as well as an independent producer with his longtime business partners, James Langley and the late Jim Miller, in a career that spanned over four decades in the oil industry. In 2005, he was appointed to the Arkansas Workforce Investment Board by Governor Mike Huckabee and was reappointed in 2008 by Governor Mike Beebe.

Lawrence was also an active leader in civic and church life. He served as president of the Smackover Jaycees and the Smackover Library Board. A devoted member of Smackover First United Methodist Church, he served as president of the Board of Administration, was a Sunday School teacher, a certified lay speaker, and president of the Education Board. His deep commitment to service extended beyond his community—he traveled on six mission trips to Haiti, helping to improve the lives of those in need.

Through every role he held, Lawrence was known for his unwavering integrity, wisdom, and deep love for his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ann, his sons, Richard (Shirley) and Mark, his grandchildren, Ashley (Alex) Campbell, Jordan (Tyler) Bearden, James (Anna) Bearden, bonus grandsons, Josh, Eric, and Parker Thessing, great-granddaughter, Aubrey Campbell, sister, Linda (Dick) Mosley, and a host of extended family members who cherished his presence in their lives. He is preceded in death by his son, David, parents, Ruby and Walter, and brothers, Frank and Larry.

A celebration of Lawrence's life will be held at Smackover First United Methodist on Monday, February 10th, at 10:00 a.m. 500 W 7th St, Smackover, AR 71762. A visitation will take place on Sunday, February 9th between 4:00-6:00 pm at Proctor Funeral Home, 442 Jefferson St SW, Camden, AR 71701. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the SAU Foundation in support of the Richard O. Oliver Band Endowment and Smackover First Methodist Church continuing Lawrence's passion for education. To sign the online guest register, visit www.proctorfuneralhome.com.

Lawrence Bearden's legacy of service, leadership, and devotion will forever live on in the lives he touched.