of Helena, AR
March 23, 2017
HELENA --- David Solomon, a prominent attorney and lifelong resident of Helena, Arkansas, died Thursday morning, March 23rd at his home. Last July he celebrated his 100th birthday with a community-wide celebration. He is survived by his three sons and their wives, five grandchildren and their spouses, two great-grandsons, and numerous nieces and nephews and their children. His wife of 69 years, Miriam Rayman Solomon, predeceased him in 2011.
Solomon was a leader of the bar in Phillips County, as well as the State of Arkansas. He was admitted to practice in Arkansas and Tennessee in 1939, after receiving an LL.B. from Harvard Law School in that same year. Prior to entering law school, he graduated from Washington University at Saint Louis. He returned home following law school and began to practice law. After serving three years in the Army during World War II, he again returned to Helena and reopened an office on Cherry Street where he practiced until 2015. He was honored in 2014 by the Arkansas Bar Foundation for his 75 years of active practice, which was thought to be a record.
Solomon was always a solo practitioner whose practice ranged from helping individuals with minor or major legal challenges to complicated corporate transactions. He was a top trial attorney, who was invited to become a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers. His prominence in the state bar is evidenced by the fact that he held every office in the Arkansas Bar Association except president, which he declined. He was for many years the Chair of the Fellows of the Arkansas Bar Foundation. On two occasions (1972 and 1989) when all of the justices on the Arkansas Supreme Court recused themselves, he was appointed as a Special Associate Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court. He served as a delegate to the Arkansas State Constitutional Convention in 1969. Locally, he was the Helena City Attorney in the late 1940's and early 1950's.
Solomon was active in promoting industrial development locally and regionally. He was appointed by Governor David Pryor to the Arkansas State Highway Commission in 1975, and was Chairman in 1984-1985. For fifty years, he led the White River Drainage District and was a member of the executive committee of the Mississippi Valley Flood Control Commission. He was a long-serving director of the First National Bank of Phillips County, then of Southern Bancorp. When Worthen Bank sought several outside directors, he was selected. He was the pro bono attorney for the Helena Hospital and later the Helena Health Foundation and also served several terms on the Helena School Board
In addition to his legal, banking, and pro bono work, he managed Solomon Farms LLC, his family's farming interests.
David Solomon married Miriam Rayman, also a life-time resident of Helena, in 1942. Together they raised three sons in Helena, David (Nancy) a retired New York City businessman, Rayman (Carol) of Merion, PA, dean emeritus at Rutgers Law School, and Lafe (Catherine) of Washington, D.C., a retired senior federal official.
David Solomon, like his father and uncles, was a life-long member of Temple Beth El in Helena. He and Miriam were active in the life of the congregation, and after it closed its doors they held services in their home. David served many years as president of the congregation and warden of the cemetery.
Funeral services will be held at Beth El Heritage House, 406 Perry Street, Helena at 11:00 am on Wednesday, March 29th. Burial will immediately follow at Temple Beth El Cemetery. Following the burial, the family will receive friends and visitors at the Solomon home, 142 Stonebrook in Helena.
Memorials may be sent to The David Solomon Scholarship Fund at the Arkansas Bar Foundation, http://www.arkansasbarfoundation.com/make-a-payment , or to the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life, http://www.isjl.org/memorials--honorariums.html
Funeral services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena (870) 572-2571.
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22 Condolence(s)
A Friend
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Mr. Solomon's obituary and what I have read about his life and deeds on the Internet show that he did his best his whole life to make the place he was born and his state a better place. He raised children who became distinguished citizens and he was steadfast and careful in winding down the Jewish life in his town that had produced so many talented and productive people. I'm just glad to know about him.
Curtis Crisp
Monday, April 10, 2017
Mr. Solomon, who I have know nearly all my life. He was Lawyer, Financer, Counselor, Neighbor Farmer, and a Great Freind to my Dad, who thought me that, Mr David was a Remarkable Person, and Taught me to Know and Treat Mr. Solomon with up most Respect. I will never Know All the Ways, He (Mr. Solomon) influenced my Life, a remarkable Man to All who knew him, and many who never knew Him. His Influence will live forever and Guide Phillips County, Arkansas, and the United States. Mr. Solomon Rest In Peace, and I Pray for Your Family, and I Pray that We in Phillips County, carry on in a way that would make you Proud.
Stephen G Wright Sr
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
He was a fair man.
He treated all with respect.
We need more David Solomon;s
Bill Branch
Thursday, March 30, 2017
David,
I was present yesterday at the memorial at Beth El Heritage Hall.
It was a very meaningful and spiritual service and tribute to your father. Sorry that I did not get to speak with you. I will be mailing a you a card, and making a memorial contribution. My sympathy to you, your brothers, and all of your family.
Betty Hale Estes
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
My Daddy worked for David Solomon for nearly 50 years. I learned very early in life what a fine person he was and had the upmost respect for him and for Miriam. Things I learned from them will not be forgotten. David will be missed and I am very blessed to have had him in my life.
David Gruol
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Condolences to all the Solomon family. Ray, your dad led an exemplary life of devotion to family and community. What a blessing for Helena and Arkansas, to have had him as a citizen.
These a big shoes to fill, but we could sure use more men like him.
Sincerely,
Joan and Dave
Lisa Berger Burstein
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
David, Rayman and Lafe,
Your father was a mensch, both professionally and personally. I remember his quiet voice and the sparkle in his eye as he enthralled us with one of his stories. Fun times at the Lotus Club, Temple festivities, and at home. I have such fond memories of him and your mother. I feel privileged to have known them. My condolences to your family.
LeVaughn and Joann Smith
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
He was respected by all.
Cole Jeffries
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
David was the finest friend to my mother & Lawson. He was always so compassionate & kind to me when I needed his advice or help. He is the finest lawyer I've known & accomplished more "giving back" than any 10 lawyers I can think of. God Bless him & the wonderful memories we'll have of him!!
Please accept my sympathy & condolences for the whole family.
Cole
Tooky Faulkner Frolik
Monday, March 27, 2017
My brother, Bob Tetley, sister, Ruth Faulkner Howe, and I send our condolences. Mr. Soloman was a good family friend who wisely counseled us many times through the years.
Darrell Bullard
Monday, March 27, 2017
Dear Rayman,
Though I never was privileged to know your father or other members of your family, i certainly knew of his legendary reputation in Helena and beyond. Through the few years I spent in school with you, however, I always felt like in some small way I knew him. You were always a tribute to his reputation.
I was so sorry to learn of his passing. You and your family are in my prayers for comfort in the passing of this great patriarch.
Woody Galyean
Monday, March 27, 2017
David, Rayman and Lafe-sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Your dad touched so many lives and provided great support for so many. I will always remember your parents friendship to my mother. God Bless Woody Galyean
Eddie & Charlotte McCarty
Saturday, March 25, 2017
You will be graciously missed by the many admirers you have assisted, during your tireless professional and personal life.
Mary King
Saturday, March 25, 2017
This incredible man showed the same positive regard and respect to a dirt farmer at Kingtown ( a small community below Trenton) as to a congressman at the state capitol. His many acts of benevolence will never be known on this planet. He strove to help people regardless of whether he would be paid. He was a man of integrity and wisdom who loved and lived by the law. My sympathy to the family for your loss. Know that Mr. David was incredibly blessed with longevity because he honored not only his parents but all of Phillips County.
.
James McJunkins
Friday, March 24, 2017
The first 8 years of my career was spent in Phillips County. I met a lot of great folks and Mr. Solomon was one you would never forget. Very intelligent yet with a high level of common sense and brassy humor. He called me "junkman" and I considered that to be a compliment and an indication he liked me. I considered him as a friend and a wise counsel on many legal and business matters.
I recall a time in which I requested a title policy on a rather large tract of farm ground. He asked me how soon I needed it and I sarcastically replied "by noon would be great!" Approximately 2 hours later (10am) he bolted in the front door of my office, slammed the policy on the counter and said "is that quick enough, junkman?"
Barbara King
Friday, March 24, 2017
David, Raymond & Lafe....
Your father was an amazing one-of-a-kind man, and a pillar of our community. He will be forever remembered, forever missed. My heartfelt sympathy to all the family, and may you find comfort in the many thoughts and prayers that are with you.
The Phillips County Assessors Office
Friday, March 24, 2017
Dear Family,
It is with great sadness we note the passing of our friend, Mr. David. We will miss him dropping by, his phone calls, and most of all his humor.
With Much Sympathy and Respect,
The Employees of the Phillips County Assessors Office
David Friedeberg, David Librace, Frederick Friedeberg-Librace
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Home / Practice / Prayers & Blessings
Kaddish/Yahrzeit
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The ancient words of the Mourner’s Kaddish, while reminding us of our loved ones, offers the hope of a world where the Divine Presence is made known and peace fills our land and our lives.
Yitgadal v’yitkadash sh’mei raba.
B’alma di v’ra chirutei,
v’yamlich malchutei,
b’chayeichon uv’yomeichon
uv’chayei d’chol beit Yisrael,
baagala uviz’man kariv. V’im’ru: Amen.
Y’hei sh’mei raba m’varach
l’alam ul’almei almaya.
Yitbarach v’yishtabach v’yitpaar
v’yitromam v’yitnasei,
v’yit’hadar v’yitaleh v’yit’halal
sh’mei d’Kud’sha B’rich Hu,
l’eila min kol birchata v’shirata,
tushb’chata v’nechemata,
daamiran b’alma. V’imru: Amen.
Y’hei sh’lama raba min sh’maya,
v’chayim aleinu v’al kol Yisrael.
V’imru: Amen.
Oseh shalom bimromav,
Hu yaaseh shalom aleinu,
v’al kol Yisrael. V’imru: Amen.
Kay and Eddie Cakhoun
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Our condolences to the Solomon family. The community has lost a great man. He was tough but humble; loving but guarded; u derstanding but wary. He had the heart of a true man. Rest In Peace. Shalom!
Love.
Harold & Mary Henderson
Thursday, March 23, 2017
A true Southern Gentleman. So sorry for the loss to family and community. May God give you comfort and peace.
jim mayer
Thursday, March 23, 2017
DAVID,RAYMOND&LAFE YOUR FATHER WAS ALWAYS A GREAT GENTLEMAN AND PUBLIC SERVANT AT EVERY LEVEL OF STATE GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY SERVICE. FREELY ADVISING CITY/COUNTY GOVERNMENT/HOSPITAL AND SCHOOLS. HIS GREAT KNOWLEDGE MADE HELENA AND THE STATE OF ARKANSAS A BETTER PLACE. YOU & YOUR FAMMILIES ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. JIM,DIANE, MARLA,CAREN& ADAM MAYER
Jackie Sanders
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Dear Solomon Family,
It is a sad day for Phillips County and the state of Arkansas. We have lost a beacon that can never be replaced. He was a leader in the community and state, a humanitarian, and friend. He will be greatly missed.
Sincere Regards,
The Robert Sanders Family,
Robert A. Sanders, J.C. Sanders, Melinda J. Sanders Bennett, & Jackie Sue Sanders