of Little Rock, AR
July 10, 1932 - April 4, 2016
David Norman Polk, 83, of Little Rock, former long time resident of England, Arkansas went to be with the Lord April 4, 2016. He was born July 10, 1932 in Warren, Arkansas to John Thomas Polk and Blanche Nicholson Polk.
He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife: Laverne Wolfe Polk; two sons: Scott (Mary Carole) Polk of Little Rock and Dr. Brent Polk of Los Angeles, California; two daughters: Cheri Lynn Riddle of Warren, Arkansas and Judith Ann (Herschell) Parent of Paradise Valley, Arizona; eight grandchildren: Josh Riddle, Michael Parent, Jordan Ashley Riddle, Mary Catherine Parent, Jacob Riddle, Kirkland Polk, MaryScott Polk and Jack Thomas Polk. Also, a special cousin: Barbara Glover.
Norman loved his family, grandkids and Samson, gardening, storytelling, enjoyed nature, camping, and fishing.
Norman graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1950. He earned his Bachelor of Arts at UAM; his Masters at University of Mississippi and Postgraduate Studies at the Universities of Memphis, Oklahoma and Maryland. Norman taught Biology, Physics and Chemistry in England for 39 years, was an Entomology Consultant and taught at Tucker Prison for many years.
Norman was a member of First Baptist Church of England and taught Sunday School. He was Past President of England Education Association. He also served in the Navy during the Korean War.
Visitation services will be at First Baptist Church on April 7, 2016 from 12:30 until time of the service. Services will also be at the church at 2:00 P M. Bro. Robert McDaniel and Bro. Robby Sherman will be officiating.
The family asks that memorials be made to First Baptist Church, 201 E. Haywood, England, 72046 or Hospice Home Care, 2200 S. Bowman, Little Rock, AR, 72211.
Sign Guestbook
30 Condolence(s)
Gregg Frizzell
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Dear Polk Family - How I remember all the fun times we had being neighbors across the street from one another on Cottonwood Drive - from Mr. Norman mowing the lawn at midnight to us being pulled in the hood of a pick up truck when it iced and snowed - those are just some of the memories I will always cherish. Your dad was one in a million! Take great comfort in knowing he is with the Lord now and at peace! Gregg
Cathy Wrathers
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
I loved and respected Mr. Polk very much, and I will dearly miss him.
Mr. Polk was a wonderful person and teacher with great a heart and passion. He will be remember even beyond the England community because of his teaching and contributions for living to your fullest potential. I will miss him and may God send the family His promises to comfort you during your times of sadness.
Rodger Murchison
Monday, April 18, 2016
Dear Polk Family:
I first met Mr. Polk in 1962. He was my teacher at England High School. I was a student from Coy, Arkansas and had gone to school at Tomberlin School. Mr. Polk was the most challenging teacher I had at EHS. One day he ask me to speak in front of the class on a subject I knew very little about, because I had not studied enough for that days assignment. After I struggled a lot to say almost nothing, Mr. Polk suggested that I take my seat and that I should be better prepared the next time. He taught me a valuable lesson in "Being Prepared" and the next time I was ready. He was an important influence in my life as a young student. I have always remembered him with respect and appreciation.
May the God of Hope, Comfort and Love be near to you as you live into your time of grief. May your faith keep you strong and in His embrace.
God's Peace,
Rodger Murchison
Paul Seib
Friday, April 15, 2016
My deepest condolences on Norman's passing. I know that he is with the Lord, and almost certainly regaling the heavenly host with many stories. I always loved talking to this great man, who had a great sense of humor and a sharp wit. He loved his family and everyone who was fortunate to know him was truly blessed.
With sympathy,
Paul and Loran.
Ora D Parker
Thursday, April 7, 2016
I saw Mr. Polk at Scotts drug store a few years back (in the old gym) and he remembered all of the Parker's he'd taught (there were a lot of us!). I enjoyed reminiscing and thankful that I had the opportunity to visit with him. I can still smell those frogs we dissected in Biology class; great experience. :) Peace and blessings to the family as you adjust.
Susan Wilson Short
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Mrs. Polk, Brent, Cheri, Judi, and Scott - I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Polk. I loved him and will always remember the fun times (and hard tests!) in his classes. He was truly one-of-a-kind and an icon at EHS. I cannot watch Gunsmoke without thinking of him! :) I am so sorry I could not be there for the service, but I love all of you and are thinking about you and praying for you during this difficult time. God bless you.
Stafford Family
Thursday, April 7, 2016
We pray for strength and peace for the family. Norman was such a special man. We are changed forever because we knew him...so many hearts have been touched by him. We love the Polk family.
Anita Stafford
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Brent,
I'm so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Lots of love.
The Sims Family
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Mr.Polk will be remembered as A Legend .....of England High School.
Eldwana Sims c/o 1991
Karol Chandler-Ezell
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Mr. Polk was an incredible influence on me at EHS. He didn't just teach science, he demonstrated the joy in teaching what you love. His passed on an enthusiasm for Chemistry--that science and magic of stuff-- and Physics--the mechanics of the universe. Science was exciting to Mr. Polk, and he found that connection with us because he loved what he did. I think about the lessons and the material often, but I think about doing what you love and the value of education more. He lives on in all of the students who first sampled that joy in learning with Mr. Polk.
My sincere condolences to your family for your loss.
Jennie Varner Miller
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
So sorry for your loss! Mr. Polk was a great man and will be missed. Praying for all of you!
Rhonda Ridgway
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Scott, sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Jamie Rollins Sherrill
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
LaVerne, Brent, Cheri, Judy and Scott, I'm so sorry for your loss. I have really fond memories of Norman "back in the day"! I really enjoyed sitting at his table in the kitchen just shooting the breeze. He always made me smile. Please take comfort in knowing that he will always be with you. You may walk by a room and in passing, see him sitting and smiling at you. Those little glimpses are precious. The soft whispers you hear at night when the house goes quiet before going to bed, he's still with you. Prayers for all of you and smile, I know he is! Blots of live to you all, Jamie
Josh Reed
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
My deepest condolences to the family and Mrs. Polk. He was truly a guiding light for many. My high school experience was made definitively better by Mr. Polk.
Sherri Rushing
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Praying that you all find peace in God's loving arms during this time of loss. We know Mr. Polk is not suffering any longer as he is in Heaven with his Heavenly Father. Blessings to you all...
Sherri and Emma Rushing
Gregory and Martha Morris
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
May God bless you Scott and your family during your hours of bereavement. Love and Peace. Morris Family
Tony & Denyce Frisco
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Very sad to hear about Mr. Polk. He was an outstanding teacher, tough but fair. He prepared many of us to do the type of work that was required to be successful. He didn't spoon feed the material just to pass a test. I looked forward to his classes. I can't think about Moon Pies and RC Colas without thinking of Mr. Polk. He raised great kids. My thoughts are with them during this trying time. Our condolences to Mrs. Polk and the entire family.
Lisa Sladyen Tipton
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Polk. I know you all have many cherished memories of him for he was such a kind and sweet man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
Sincerely,
Lisa Sladyen Tipton
Tom Ezell
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Mr. Polk was one of the most memorable teachers I have encountered in my lifetime. There's not a day that goes by that I didn't have cause to use a lesson he taught me over those 4 years at EHS, or to remember some small thing about him. He was one of those legendary mentors that changed many lives, mine among them. I am very sorry for your loss, but those memories are still used every day. One of Mr. Polk's favorite quotes was one from Svante Arhennius, "Chance favors the prepared mind." He certainly did his best to give each of his students that advantage.
Debbie Chambers Conway
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
I so remember your dad. One particular memory I've thought of often was one time when he gave a test and he asked so many hard questions on this test that one question stood out because of it's simplicity. I really thought it was a trick question and thought hard on it, but I answered it simply and it was correct! An 8 year old could have answered that one question. He really did challenge you and he really did have a twinkle in his eye! I'm praying for you all.
Patsy May Jacob
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
My prayers are for Cheri and her family at this difficult time. Will keep you and family in my prayers.
Rob Wright
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Praying for all of you to feel God's peace and love during the days ahead.
Paul Ingle
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Mr. Polk's classes were one of the bright spots in my time at England High School, instilling in me a love of science that has remained with me to this day. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Polk Family at this time.
Richard Knoll
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
I am sorry for your loss. Mr. Polk was such a gentleman..I will always remember his kind ways.
Elroy Willoughby
Monday, April 4, 2016
Condolences to Scott and the rest of the family. Mr. Polk was a great teacher as well as my school bus driver for many years. A wise and thoughtful man who educated many Englanders over the years. He will be missed!
Milicent McDonald
Monday, April 4, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Polk was such a sweet man. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
John L. Taylor
Monday, April 4, 2016
So sorry to hear this.
Mr Polk was an excellent and fun teacher, as well as a good man.
I have many fine memories of him and the entire Polk family growing up.
My prayers and deepest sympathy to all off the family.
John
Sonja DeShon Buchanan
Monday, April 4, 2016
Sorry for your loss
Patricia Carter-Lewis
Monday, April 4, 2016
Mr. Polk was one of my FAVORITE Teachers, .....Class was NEVER...."As Usually".....Something New & Different everyday.
He made "LEARNING" Fun! He made "FROGS" Interesting....
After becoming an adult he Introduced me to Circus Peanut Candy...
Boy, what a "Mistake" that was, I can hardly go to Walmart without buying a bag......In his Honor I will "EAT" a whole bag as usually in Memory of Mr Polk's Wonderful Life.
Holly Haley
Monday, April 4, 2016
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Polk. I was one of his many students at England High School and he was an excellent teacher. My sympathies to the family.