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.
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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
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16 Condolence(s)
David Hydrick
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Geez. I had no idea. My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to your family. Ned was a great,great guy. I will sincerely miss him. I’m so sorry.
David Hydrick
Jim Grove
Monday, July 1, 2024
Always enjoyed working with Ned on many research projects over the years. He was always professional but very personable as well. You could tell he cared about his work and others. I would also see him at other meetings and trainings from time to time and always was great to talk to. I am saddened to hear of his passing but know many were blessed to have known him.
Tim Ford
Monday, July 1, 2024
So sorry to hear, Ned was a friend and a great advocate for Agriculture.
Roger Carter
Saturday, June 29, 2024
I knew Ned from his old days at AmCy when he was beginning his ag-chem career. He was the consummate Southern gentleman & never said a bad word about anyone. Ned was very smart & could discuss practically any subject in great detail, but he did like to debate & seemed to always hope the person or persons he was talking with would take views opposing his. Ned was diligent in his need for details, a trait common amongst good researchers. Our prayers are with Ned’s family & friends & that they can find splice in k owing Med drained every bit of life from the moments he was engaged with us. His legacy will continue for eons.
David Hydrick
Friday, June 28, 2024
Geez. I had no idea. My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to your family. Ned was a great,great guy. I will sincerely miss him. I’m so sorry.
David Hydrick
Clyde Smith
Friday, June 28, 2024
Sad to hear Ned is gone. We worked closely as Tech Service Reps for AmCy during a time fast-paced development.
Ned was always engaged and supportive of ideas and enjoyed a little competition. But was always focused on our goal to support sales and learn new things.
As our lives moved apart it was always easy to pick up where we left off when we had the chance to get together at meeting or on the phone.
Ned always loved investigating new ideas and challenging old idioms.
I will miss him and feel the loss but I know I will see him shortly.
Godspeed Ned.
Denise Wright
Friday, June 28, 2024
I worked with Ned for many years when he was a Research and Development Rep or held other roles in several agchem or bioproduct companies. Ned was always a joy to visit with. I absolutely hate to hear the news of his untimely passing. Prayers for his family and multitude of friends.
Stephanie and Ethan Neyman
Friday, June 28, 2024
Our sincerest condolences. We did not have the opportunity to meet Ned, being newly members to the Ozark PCA, but reading all the wonderful aspects of Ned, he lived a lovely life with much love from his family and friends.
Don Cook
Thursday, June 27, 2024
I am saddened to hear of Ned’s passing. I have known him for about 30 years. I met him through my work in the agricultural industry.
Lisiane Z.
Thursday, June 27, 2024
Ned was a gentle soul with rare and exceptional characteristics. Ned was a great listener, always offering a compassionate ear, wise counsel with a healthy dose of wit where needed. Those who had the pleasure of working with Ned held him in the highest regard, respecting him not only for his intelligent professional contributions but mainly for his admirable character. Ned's legacy of kindness, empathy, respect and curiosity will continue to inspire us. My condolences to his loved ones.
Lewis CarlLee S CarlleeCarlLee
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Ned was a great friend and neighbor back in the old neighborhood. He was smart and easy to interact with in a variety of circumstances. He will be missed.
Tom Fritsche
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Mr. French was not an acquaintance of mine. Initially, my interest in his passing and my subsequent reading of his obituary was because he was a few years younger than me. I feel sorrow and sympathy for the grief his family and friends are feeling now.
But what was particularly moving to me was the memorial written by his friend Necip Fikri Alican. The two seemed to have a friendship that should be envy of us all. Those words were incredibly touching and heartfelt, even quoting the wonderful JS Mill. As I read them, I recalled the sentiment of one of my literary touchstones, Oscar Wilde, who wrote “One has a right to judge a man by the effect he has over his friends.” I am really sorry I did not know Mr. French. Godspeed sir.
Jim and Theresa Bruce
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers are being said for family and friends. May eternal light shine on Ned. May God bless you and keep you! With love in our hearts. Theresa and Jim
Bob scott
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Ned has been a good friend and colleague of mine since 1997. I will greatly miss him. He was one of my mentors at American Cyanamid when I started and he continued to be someone that I call to discuss life issues with throughout my career. he introduced me to duckhunting, and I will miss him. My condolences to all of his family.
Necip Fikri Alican
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
I knew within a few days of meeting Ned, more than forty years ago, that I had just stumbled upon a lifelong friend who would quickly become and forever remain a part of who I am. He was smart, funny, and just the right amount of cocky to be instantly likable. But he struck me most of all as one of the most intelligent and thoughtful people I know with a natural curiosity worthy of philosophers.
We rather quickly and fairly regularly started to find ourselves staying up most of the night, talking about the meaning of life, the purpose of existence, the source of happiness, and various other things of vital importance, accompanied by Pink Floyd (my favorite) and The Alan Parsons Project (his favorite) on the stereo. There may have been drinking involved as well — Bacardi and Diet Coke if it was his treat, Jim Beam or Evan Williams (with or without anything) if it was mine.
Ned was particularly interested in the ideal of happiness, which we never quit discussing, with references to its philosophical exposition from antiquity to the present. He found the most inspiring insights to come from Stoicism, often quoting Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius to me, hoping to engage me in a critical discussion of the merits of something or another he had just finished reading in the “Meditations.”
Knowing very well that he wanted me to respond with something from Plato or Aristotle, I would invariably bring up something or another I had just finished watching on “Star Trek,” declaring that all you ever need to know about Stoicism, you can learn from Lieutenant Commander Spock of the USS Enterprise.
Despite constantly letting him down in that regard, deliberately so for the entertainment value, I was finally able to meet his expectations when I shared with him the definition of happiness by John Stuart Mill. Ned found it both reasonable and Stoic enough for his taste. The relevant portion runs as follows:
“A state of exalted pleasure lasts only moments, or in some cases, and with some intermissions, hours or days, and is the occasional brilliant flash of enjoyment, not its permanent and steady flame. Of this the philosophers who have taught that happiness is the end of life were as fully aware as those who taunt them. The happiness which they meant was not a life of rapture; but moments of such, in an existence made up of few and transitory pains, many and various pleasures, with a decided predominance of the active over the passive, and having as the foundation of the whole, not to expect more from life than it is capable of bestowing” (Mill 1861).
This is the kind of happiness that made sense to Ned. And this is the kind of happiness that he sought, achieved, and maintained throughout his life. More importantly, though, this is the kind of happiness he always made sure to promote in those around him, including not just his family but also his friends.
That is why, when he departed from this world, he took away the balancing element in my life that constantly tipped the scale in favor of pleasure over pain, as so convincingly articulated by Mill.
Rest in peace, my brother. Your absence is a philosophical vacuum. It is a disruption of the hedonic calculus and a void in the corresponding eudaimonia. To quote Mr. Spock again, one last time, just to annoy you in heaven, “I have been, and always shall be, your friend!”
Richard and Marijke Starling
Monday, June 24, 2024
We loved Ned and will miss him so much. He was the perfect son-in-law and stepdad to our granddaughters, Kylie and Karina.