of Searcy, AR
October 8, 1927 - May 25, 2023
Phillip Pyeatt, 95, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2023. Phil was predeceased by his mother Lillian Harrison Pyeatt, father Ewing Phillip Pyeatt, brother Wayne Woodruff Pyeatt, his beloved wife Jean Hilger Pyeatt, his two daughters, Susan Pyeatt Kimmey and Phyllis Pyeatt, and his son-in-law Lansing Kimmey. Phil, or "Poppy", is survived by his two granddaughters, Susannah Kimmey Bartko (Alex), and Laura Kimmey Nix (Charles), and four great granddaughters, Daley Lillian Nix, Ragan Kimmey Nix, Anna Pyeatt Bartko, and Laura Lucy Bartko.
Phil was born in Prairie Grove, Arkansas and moved to Searcy, Arkansas in 1943, where he would spend the rest of his life. He graduated from Searcy High School in 1944 and attended Hendrix College before graduating from the University of Texas with a degree in Business Administration. Mr. Pyeatt returned to Searcy to start an insurance agency, Pyeatt and Company. He served as President of the Independent Insurance Agencies of Arkansas, Chairman of the Thirteen States Insurance Conference, and served four years on the National Insurance Conference Board, representing Arkansas.
Along with his brother Wayne and Uncle J.J. Pyeatt, Phil served on the board of the bank his father Ewing acquired in 1943 as Searcy Bank. He was an integral part of its growth and success as it became First National Bank of Searcy in 1967, merged with First Commercial Bank in 1997, and was sold to Regions Bank in 1999.
Throughout his life and after his retirement, Phil was a steadfast supporter of the Searcy community as a philanthropist, volunteer, and leader. His membership on and contributions to the Searcy Industrial Development Council enabled many infrastructure projects and marketing programs to support the city's growth. Phil was elected to and served as President of the Searcy Public Schools Board of Education and served 18 years as a member of the Searcy Board of Public Utilities. In 2008, he was elected to the Searcy Education Foundation Hall of Honor. He served in various positions in The First United Methodist Church and provided support and leadership to the Unity Health Pyeatt Family Cancer Center.
Phil was always about family, and the vast majority of the impact he and his family had over the years went completely without recognition, because that's the way they wanted it. Theirs was a commitment to community and service, not recognition. After a truly wonderful life, Phil will be missed. He will also be loved, honored and celebrated for his commitment to his family and his community.
A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 304 N. Main St. Searcy, Arkansas at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 9, 2023. Visitation will precede the service at the church at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Methodist Church of Searcy or the Unity Health Pyeatt Family Cancer Center.
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3 Condolence(s)
Cousin Shirley Boyd
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Condolences to the family of Cousin Phil Pyeatt. I enjoyed Phil and his brother Wayne as high schoolers visiting my family in Dallas. We had evidently been to the State Fair of Texas as they had on white wide brim cowboy hats. I was 4yrs old and remember the visit by photos.
It was special to visit Phil with my brother Marcus via TEXT messages. Lil was so gracious to help us
converse with Phil when he was in his home in Searcy, Arkansas.
I am thankful for Phil's info about Prairie Grove for me when I went there with a friend 2 years ago.
I shall miss your presence in this world Cousin Phil .
Shirley Boyd
Roger L. Dobbins
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
My Dad and I knew Phil since we were also in the insurance business but we also knew him from church. He was an asset to Searcy and a good man. I particularly remember the really special letter he wrote to my Mom when Dad died. She still had the letter when she died 30 years later. It meant that much to her. Phil will be missed by many people. Condolences to the family.
MARCUS WOOD
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
My sister Shirley Wood Boyd and I in Dallas clearly remember the gatherings of the Harrison clan decades ago when Phil, Wayne, and all of us cousins were very young. Memories are what families and individual lives are made of. Two women who loved Phil and were loved by him over the years must be recognized as special - Linda Miller and Lil Jones.
Rest in peace Cousin Phil.
With love to all,
Cousin Marcus