of Little Rock, AR

July 31, 1963 - June 18, 2024

Ned Mims French II, 60, of Little Rock joined the Lord on June 18, 2024. He was born July 31, 1963 in Memphis, Tennessee to Taylor "Nick" and Gail French.

As a rancher at heart, some of Ned's favorite childhood memories were long days during wheat harvest and late nights in the hay field with his cousins in Oklahoma. His Oklahoma family helped him connect the dots between his love of science and agriculture. His curiosity was fueled. In their hometown of Memphis, Ned and his brother Taylor spent their summers riding their bikes to the country club, playing tennis and swimming.

Ned was fond of wrangling horses, hiking and playing rodeo games at Teton Valley Ranch Camp in Wyoming. In Santa Fe, New Mexico, Ned made memories riding horses, exploring the landscape and collecting fossils in the creek by the Bishops Lodge.

In high school, Ned attended Memphis University School. He earned his Master of Science in Entomology at Mississippi State University after completing his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Millsaps College. Ned earned a PhD in Entomology with a minor in crop science at North Carolina State University.

While at Millsaps, Ned joined Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE). He maintained life-long friendships with his fraternity brothers, classmates and professors. He counted his college roommate, Necip Fikri Alican, among his best friends and kept almost daily contact with him from half a world away between their yearly visits.

While dedicated to his friendships, Ned pursued excellence in agricultural product development. He was diligent and determined to give back to the agricultural industry, making the world a better place, during his more than 30-year career. He worked with firms across the country to develop a wide range of ag products and, in his numerous roles, served as a Field Scientist, Professor, Technical Director and CEO. Ned was known for his love of helping others succeed and his passion for building cohesive, unstoppable teams.

Ned started his journey as a father in his first marriage with Lori. Austin was born, followed six years later by Carson. Throughout their sons' childhood, they vacationed across the country, visiting friends and family and relaxing on the lake with a fish fry to finish. Whether arts, sports, dance or cars, they were determined to support Austin and Carson's efforts and cheer them on in their childhood and adulthood.

Ned married Sabrina in December 2020 and welcomed her children, Karina and Kylie into his family as his own. He cherished the opportunity to support each of his children while watching them grow into beautiful individuals.

Ned devotedly cheered Kylie and Karina in their endeavors. He spent many hot hours at horse shows with Kylie and many Saturdays at swim meets with Karina. Ned held the video camera while Sabrina cheered. He cooked dinners so Sabrina could take Karina to swim practice and was always willing to jump in when the girls needed a ride.

Ned and Sabrina added goats and a horse to their family. Ned practiced regenerative agriculture and took great pride in restoring the pasture's health. In addition, Ned and Sabrina supported Kylie and Karina in learning entrepreneurship through their business of raising and selling goats at French Farms.

Ned lived resiliently with curiosity and positivity. He was a great friend, mentor and supporter to many. He was quick to listen, stopping whatever he was doing to lend an ear and a word of encouragement. Ned was always there for his family and friends when they needed him. He led with love.

Ned was driven. When he had a goal in mind, he focused on it, made it happen and encouraged those around him to do the same. He exuded patience and calm, even under the most trying circumstances.

Ned was determined, confident and sincere. He was witty and loved making others laugh and smile, especially with his Dad jokes. You knew he was thinking of you when you received a fun or thought-provoking meme, often more than once per day. He encouraged others to live life to the fullest and frequently reminded family and friends to stop and smell the roses. His favorite quote best captures how he lived: "To me there are three things you should do every day. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is to think, we should spend some time in thought. And number three is you should have your emotions moved you to tears. If you laugh, you think and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special." Jim Volvano

Ned was inspired by a quote taped to his father's desk: "Your playing small does not serve the world." He has carried this in his wallet since his father's passing. His mother's grace and spunk also inspired Ned. He intentionally shared her spirit with Austin, Carson, Kylie and Karina.

Ned dreamed of inspiring others with muscular dystrophy by what is possible. He took exceptional care of his health for those around him, to show strength and support for those he loved and to live life as fully as possible. He planned and executed a life balance that included rigorous workouts with his trainer and friend, David Houk, healthy cooking, time with family, regular date nights with Sabrina, charitable pursuits and personal and professional development. Those supporting his efforts to extend his longevity and strength repeatedly commented on his positive mindset and conscientious lifestyle.

Ned and Sabrina were intentionally working through their bucket lists, traveling and creating memories. They enjoyed taking the family to the beach, fishing in the Keys, visiting Santa Fe, visiting Carson in Savannah and Atlanta, visiting the family in Oklahoma, driving through the Southwest, exploring DC and seeing the leaves change in the Northeast. Their shared interest in landscaping and gardening led to a major renovation of their backyard, transforming it into a welcoming oasis.

Members of the Ozark PCA, Ned and Sabrina, enjoyed driving their cars and going to the track. Ned bought a track car specifically to create memories with Austin and Carson. They attended driving school at Barber Motorsports Park as a graduation gift for Austin and Carson.

In recent months, Ned and Sabrina adopted an Irish Wolfhound puppy named Quinn. Ned was crazy about Irish Wolfhounds and he experienced great companionship with Quinn and Finnegan, who preceded Quinn.

Ned's favorite teams were OU and the Steelers. He loved cheering his teams and was counting down the days until the start of the fall season.

Ned was living life to the fullest. He would want you to do the same. It was important to him that those he loved are happy.

Ned was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Gail French. Ned is survived by his loving wife, Sabrina Starling French; sons, Austin (fiancée Amanda ''Mandie'' Kennedy) and Carson French; stepdaughters, Kylie and Karina Schleicher; brother, Taylor French (wife, Tracy) and niece, Abby. During and after their marriage, Ned and Lori Lahodny lovingly supported and encouraged their sons.
~ ~ ~
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ned's name to Mayo Clinic, Muscular Dystrophy Foundation or Le Bonheur Children's Hospital.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm Sunday, June 30, 2024 at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 W. 17th Street, with a gathering at Morrison Hall.

Please share your memories of Ned at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com