of North Little Rock, AR
January 28, 1936 - December 17, 2023
William Thomas (Tom) Ahart was born on January 28, 1936 and died peacefully at home on December 17, 2023.
Tom graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1954 and was a supremely successful businessman in both the automotive and investment banking fields. He was highly respected for his business savvy, honesty and integrity. He took great pride in helping others achieve their financial goals and in mentoring others.
A natural performer, Tom was a life long singer and guitar player. He knew thousands of songs by heart and was often accompanied by his siblings at every Ahart family gathering. Tom's explosive laughter was contagious. He was a joke teller known to guffaw easily. Tom was a favorite of all children he met and could always be found entertaining them with stories and songs. He loved golf and traveled the world many times over after retiring.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Lila; two stepsons, Mike Roye and Mickey Roye; his parents, Silva and Etna Ahart; four brothers, Clifton Ahart, Hillos (Melvin) Ahart, Dean Ahart and Dale Ahart. Tom is survived by his daughter, Debbie Waddle; granddaughter, Tracy and husband, Joe Hurdle; great grandson, Alexander Hurdle all of Jacksonville, AR; three brothers, Wayne Ahart of Austin, TX, Bill Ahart of Cabot, AR, Bob (Paula) Ahart of Bentonville, AR; a sister, Eunice Freeman of NLR, AR; many nieces and nephews and his love, Pat Fisher.
Visitation with family and friends will be at Roller-Owens Funeral Home on Thursday, December 21, at 12:30 PM followed by a funeral service at 1:30 PM, with brothers Wayne Ahart and Bob Ahart officiating.
Burial will be at Rest Hills Memorial Garden at 7724 Landers Road, NLR, AR.
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18 Condolence(s)
Gail and Ann Matthews
Saturday, December 23, 2023
Tom was a jewel We go back to NHCC and golf Many trips with Tom and Jane He was so good during their time together He loved Lila and always told us about her Fun times together on cruises God Bless the family and he was GREAT GUY
Charlie Hight & Becky Hight
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Such a great guy. Thanks to God for Tom’s and our paths to have crossed. Tom, you’ll truly be missed especially at our gym. You always had a smile on your face and something nice to say. Becky and I loved you so much. Rest in peace my friend!
Betty Sisco
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Tom will be missed by all his Friends and family and I was lucky to be a friend. We shared a nephew and a niece his brothers and my sisters children. We shared lots of family get together always ended up with music and song, and lots of food. We will miss you Tom
Brenda Ahart Heyworth
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Uncle Tom will always hold a special place in my heart!He and Aunt Lila were so good to me.I cherish my wonderful memories of sleeping over as a child and having a blast with my cousin Debbie!Can’t even count how many times I asked Uncle Tom to sing my favorite song he performed Young Love.I know we will sing Praises to God in heaven and rightfully so but if God allows me a special request ……Love You Forever!!
Linda & Jim McConnell
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
The Ahart family has held a special place in our hearts for over 40 years. What a blessing it is to witness the love this family has for each other, as well as, others.
Eunice, Bob, Wayne and Bill, all of you and your extended family, are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you all!
Max Lupton
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
I didn't know Tom well, but I have known and loved many of his family..brothers, sister and also knew his mom and dad..You could search the world over and never find a more honest, loyal,patriotic and loving family! Tom will be missed!
Dorrie Meckes
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Tom will be missed as an original member of the “singing Ahart family band.” Heaven has gained a choir member and a truly exceptional person.
Dianne Denton
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
I met Tom in 1994 at one of the many Ahart’s family get together for Christmas. I loved his warm smile and how he could ply the guitar with such flair! I loved especially when Tom played the double string guitar, so talented. May he be received in heaven by family and loved ones waiting with open arms. My prayers are with all the family and friends that got to spend time with Tom.
Joe Thompson
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
I graduated with Tom in 1954. I have always call Tom my friend. I was a good friend to Tom and Dean and his brothers. I never knew his sister I will miss Tom. He was a very good man.
Dean Faitz
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
I played a lot of golf with Tom!! He was always fun to be around! I saw Tom at the gym a lot in the last few years. He did more talking than he did exercising! It was always enjoyable talking to him!! Tom will be missed by many!
Pat Fisher
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
If you were lucky enough to know or ever meet Tom Ahart, you knew a gem! He was the most generous, honest upstanding, kind and entertaining man that I know! I happened to be one who knew Tom and our friendship and love ended way too soon! I am already missing your company and laughter, We had a Great ride and you will always be in my heart, thanks for the memories! RIP ????
Jerry Burchfield
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
My condolences to the family. Tom, indeed, was an astute businessman and was always an enjoyable person with which to have a conversation on a variety of subjects.
John mayes
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Tom was a great friend and golfing partner. He was a fantastic entertainer on our golf trips with his guitar and songs. He and Dean are now back to playing golf again together.
Phyllis Perry Brents
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
So sorry to see Tom's obituary. He was my customer when I was a commercial banker and he was an investment banker with Jim Bryan's group. He was a delight. Very bright, personable, and very tuned to his customers and their needs. There should be more like him. My sympathy to his family and other friends.
Phyllis Perry Brents
Kelley Colvert
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
He was the best. He was an extra grandfather to so many girls when he sponsored us for softball. ??. My heart goes out to the family- we were all an extended family for a time! Great memories!
Bob Ahart
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Tom set a high bar for lifestyle, being true to values and living life to the maximum. He was one of the best and I am thankful to have been a little brother. His example will reap benefits for generations!
Kelly Maxwell
Monday, December 18, 2023
I want to send all my love out to the Ahart family. When I was 10 years old, my mother Carol married Mickey Roye at Tom and Lila’s home in Little Rock. From that day on, Tom made me feel like I had always been a part of the Ahart family. I’ll never forget the time he sang the Christmas song, “Noel”, to me for the first time. He had changed the words up to say….”we have no water, cause we have NO WELL”. I was so shocked! But then he gave me that sly smile of his and we both laughed and laughed. He had a wonderful way of making you laugh! Blessings to Tom in heaven as well as the Ahart family that preceded him. What a wonderful family reunion with the Lord!
Wayne AHART
Monday, December 18, 2023
Tom was an awesome brother, great American and will be missed deeply. We are all losing an irreplaceable family member and friend to an uncountable number.