of Conway, AR

July 14, 1954 - September 3, 2025

Glyn Elwin Sawyer, Jr., age 71, of Conway, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and
Savior on September 3, 2025. He went to heaven peacefully with joy in his heart.
Born on July 14, 1954 in Crossett, Arkansas, he was preceded in death by his
loving parents, Glyn and Betty Sawyer of Little Rock, Aunt Margaret Foster of
Louisiana and Conway, and his grandmother, Fronia Foster of Wilmot, Arkansas.
Elwin is survived by his wife of thirty-six and a half years, Rita Sawyer, daughter,
Kristin Gill-Smith (Josh), and his brother, Dr. Scott Sawyer (Barry) of Houston, Texas
along with relatives that he loved. He wanted to extend a thank you to Zandy
Ferguson, Shiloh Gustus, and Jane Glover as they went above and beyond to care for
him. Their heartfelt support made them part of the family.
Elwin was a contract occupational therapist who through Allied Therapy helped
students in various school settings and he also participated in Hippo Therapy. During this
time, he met and worked with talented therapists and staff. In the past, he used his
Masters degree in Hospital Administration as the Director of Admissions at UAMS
Hospital in Little Rock and also supported people as the Business Manager at the
UAMS Bone Marrow program. Even though Elwin might have been slightly technology
challenged, his daughter knew who to go to for assistance in math. Reading about history
was a favorite for him.
As a fan, he will be interred in a specialty Razorback box at Memorial Gardens in
Texarkana, Arkansas at a later date. He laughed and requested not to be placed in the
bronze urn with the butterflies.
If you knew of Elwin, you would know he was an avid sports fan. As a proud Dad,
Kristin, his daughter, was supported in all Conway sports activities as she grew up.
He thoroughly loved laughing and sharing funny golf and football stories with his
brother and friends. In addition, trips to see a final four game, the Razorbacks, or
the St. Louis Cardinals play ball were treasured. Even though he was a Houdini
at hiding his sunglasses or wallet, he could still remember every sports score known
to man. His loud booming voice was often used to disagree with the Price is Right
TV bids or shout upcoming warnings about football plays to the Razorback coaches
entertaining his friends.
His belief in acts of service was strong. With assistance from friends, Elwin was
allowed to demonstrate and teach the UCA and Morrilton nursing students
about the LVAD-3 heart pump which extended his life more than seven years. Even as
a young junior high student at Immanuel Baptist Church, his mother had commented
that he was the only person to volunteer to assist in a special needs classroom. As he
was always concerned about others, in conjunction with his daughter, time was spent
writing words of love, encouragement, and comfort in cards to be given throughout the
year to his wife, Rita.
God gifted him with years of extra life using the knowledge and skills of Conway
and Little Rock Baptist Hospital doctors and nurses, and home health and rehabilitation
personnel. Words cannot express enough gratitude for their exceptional services.
Their phenomenal kindheartedness was so appreciated by Elwin and the family. The
amazing Baptist LVAD-3 Cardiac team was a true blessing and comes highly
recommended.
Elwin was quite remarkable because through all adversity, he was able to remain
cheerful. He was a wonderful son, husband and father, and brother. Friends and
students were cherished along with happy times with family and pets. In life, he honored
God, valued integrity, and showed faith as he displayed that he didn't have a quitting bone
in his body. As we would all hope to achieve, Elwin brought much joy and laughter into
many people's lives. His life will be remembered and celebrated.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
650 Central Landing Blvd.
Conway, AR  72032
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com