of Little Rock, AR
March 3, 1940 - August 5, 2024
Dr. Douglas Warner Ashcraft passed away 08/05/2024 at his home in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born in Conway, Arkansas 03/03/1940 to the late Theo and Susie Ashcraft. Doug, as he was widely known, graduated from Hall High School in 1958, after which he attended the University of Central Arkansas, the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and Hendrix College. He subsequently studied dentistry at the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry, graduating in 1964 with a degree in Dental Surgery.
Dr. Ashcraft began his dental practice in Morrilton, Arkansas. In 1977, he moved his practice to Russellville, where he continued to work until his retirement in 2018. He was a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Arkansas State Dental Association and a volunteer dentist for the Arkansas Mission of Mercy. During his active career, Dr. Ashcraft was recognized by ''Who's Who in American Dentistry'' and as one of the top dentists in America by ''Clinician's Choice'' magazine. He was twice named as the ''Best of River Valley Dentists'' and recognized as Outstanding Dentist in ''AY'' magazine.
Outside of his profession, Dr. Ashcraft was a member of New Life Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. His recreational activities were often chosen to match his innate desire for high velocity. Most notably, he was an accomplished downhill skier, who was known for pointing his ski tips straight down and descending the slopes at breakneck speed. In later years, he became an avid Harley Davidson motorcyclist, touring much of the country with his friend and Harley companion, Don Mallory. Doug loved to dance and would always shine on the dance floor with his wife, Sandra, or his second favorite dance partner, daughter, Shannon. Doug and Sandra were also once featured early in their dancing years on a Little Rock syndicated television dance show, from the late fifties and early sixties. Doug claimed to have passed his dancing genes to multiple generations, including his grandson, Kevin, whom he described as having ''the moves''.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart, wife and life partner of 64 years, Sandra Ferguson Ashcraft; one daughter, Shannon King (Michael) of Little Rock; grandsons, Christopher King (Olivia) and Kevin King (Emily) of Dallas; great granddaughters, Amelia King and Poppy King of Dallas; nephew, Teddy Ashcraft (Brooks) of Fort Worth, Texas and his beloved fur babies, Bandit and Sophie. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dr. Ted Ashcraft and his first grandson, Shea Douglas Donovan.
A celebration of life will be held at New Life Church on Chenal Parkway in West Little Rock, Tuesday, August 13th at 11:00 AM. Family visitation will be from 9:00 AM till 11:00 AM at New Life Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pulaski County Humane Society, 14600 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72210 or to New Life Church, 23501 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas 72223
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27 Condolence(s)
Janalee hoss
Friday, October 25, 2024
I am Ted and Doug first cousin haven’t seen either one since about 10 years old i am 84 so sorry all our relatives on my dads side John Jonson have passed with all the best
Samantha Shewmaker
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Oh my heart. Doug was so amazing (as you all were) to our family. Many memories of those ski trips, time in Morrilton, him escorting me to things where my own dad couldn’t be there. He will be truly missed. We love this family so much and sending prayers , thoughts and hugs abound. Rest in peace to this wonderful man. Love, Honey
Cecelia Mathews Van
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Thanks for the wonderful memories when I met you and Sandra while you were in Memphis Dental School, and throughout the years afterwards.
R.I.P. Douglas Ashcraft
Pete &Judy Hornibrook
Monday, August 12, 2024
Sandra,Shannon and family: Thinking of you. We sure miss our recent dinners together and are so glad we could spend time together over years.
Love, Judy and Pete
Sara Stout Shaw
Monday, August 12, 2024
So many wonderful memories of Doug in high school and years later.
Always a smile and laughter. He and Sandra best dancers ever.
You are missed my friend. Love to Sandra and Shannon. Puppies too.
Andrea Giddens
Monday, August 12, 2024
Sandra, Shannon, and family,
Ric and I are so sad to hear about Doug’s passing. He was a wonderful man, and I know he was instrumental in helping our family over the years.
As a teen, I do remember him
“Skiing straight down the hill” as we all tried to keep up with him!
Hopefully he will find ski runs without lift lines and open roads for his Harley up in heaven. We will keep all iof you in our prayers.
Brooks & Teddy Ashcraft
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Sandra, Shannon, Mike & family. Doug was a great uncle and friend. We loved him so much. He always made us laugh. The memories are in our heart forever. Love, Teddy & Brooks
Pete &Judy Hornibrook
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Sandra,Shannon and family: Thinking of you. We sure miss our recent dinners together and are so glad we could spend time together over years.
Love, Judy and Pete
Buford Suffridge
Friday, August 9, 2024
Doug sincerely welcomed me when I came to Morrilton to practice dentistry in 1971. He was kind and as someone already wrote, he was one of a kind.
Sue Noble
Friday, August 9, 2024
Deepest sympathy in the loss of Doug.,who was so precious to your heart. Please know you and your family are being kept in thoughts of deepest care and love. Our family has many great memories of the Ashcraft family. May you find comfort in knowing others care.
Dr.gil kcaver
Friday, August 9, 2024
In my thoughts and prayers
Larry cargile
Friday, August 9, 2024
Many fond memories of Doug from High School and college. My condolences to Sandra, my high school classmate, and family. May he rest in peace (at a little slower pace).
Marvin Itzkowitz
Friday, August 9, 2024
So sad to hear about. Doug will be definitely missed. He was a gentleman
Vicki Betterton
Friday, August 9, 2024
So sorry. Always so friendly and fun to talk to when he came to the clinic. Praying for family. I know he will be missed. I go back to 1974 working for Dr. Ted.
Dr. Brian Skinner
Friday, August 9, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ashcraft family. Dr. Ashcraft gave me my first job as a new dentist in Russellville. He was a great mentor and friend. I was lucky enough to be reacquainted with him a few years ago when we both lived in the central Arkansas area. Rest in Peace Doc.
Jennifer Richard
Friday, August 9, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Dr Ashcraft was not my Dentist but I knew him from babysitting for Shannon. He was always very nice to me. I know he will be missed.
Becky Simmons
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Charlotte Scott
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Dr Ashcraft was an outstanding dentist and an outstanding man. He will greatly missed. Prayers for his family.
Cynthia Prince Epperson
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Rip was so good and very kind Dentist.
Sonia Williams
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Rest in peace , you will be missed . Prayers for Sandra , Shannon and family ..
James Hall
Thursday, August 8, 2024
One of a kind that will truly be missed.
Donna Hudson
Thursday, August 8, 2024
I will miss you so much. You were such a great man. RIP and watch over us. Love you.
Beth Dunlap
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Jerry Bradley DMD
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Wished I had visited more
Greg Koch
Thursday, August 8, 2024
So sorry for the lost of your dad
Gwen Wiggins
Thursday, August 8, 2024
My heart goes out to family and friends. May you have peace and the joy of precious memories. What a blessed life and wonderful family.
Jack and Karen King