of Benton, AR
August 5, 1966 - August 31, 2017
Bradley Dale Gist, 51, of Benton, AR died Thursday August 31, 2017 after a courageous battle against colon cancer.
Dr. Gist was born August 5, 1966 in Cleburne, TX. He was the Principal of Bigelow High School in Bigelow, AR and a member of the Northside Church of Christ in Benton, AR.
Brad has spent his life in service to others. He has been a teacher, coach, and principal at various schools as well as active involvement in church as a teacher, song leader, and a shepherd. Brad was a kind, giving, and selfless person. He was the brother everyone wants to have.
Survivors include his wife, Jo Anna Gist, of Benton, AR; three sons, Will, Sam, and Max; mother, Anita Burkhardt; father, Cary Gist; two brothers, Perry Gist and Mike Gist; twin sister, Caroline Milner; sister, Angela Gist; nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Services will be 10:00 am Tuesday, September 5, 2017, at the Pleasant Valley Church of Christ in Little Rock, AR with Danny Sullivan and Jim Gardner officiating. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, AR.
Visitation will be from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Monday, September 4, 2017, at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton, AR. (501) 315-4047
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gist Family Fund (Brad and Jo Anna Gist) at any Centennial Bank location or through PayPal using gistfamilyfund@gmail.com, or to Corin Read Christian Camp at 917 N. East St. Benton, AR.
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26 Condolence(s)
Jimmy Whiteman
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
I taught with Brad several years in Beebe. He was a great teacher, a good friend, and most importantly a strong Christian. This came across to his students and fellow teachers. He taught the 4th grade and the students just loved him. I am so sorry for your loss.
Ann Avey
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Brad and I taught together at Beebe. He was always a joy to be around. I am so sorry for your loss. I' m so sorry that I didn't know about this in time to go to the funeral. May Hod comfort you during this time of loss.
Beth Farris
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Precious memories working with Brad and long talks when he first started teaching. Broken hearted to hear this news and prayers for the empty place he leaves for his wife and sons and school family.
Brad Burns
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Coach Gist made our son Michael the manager of the CAC football team, since he was unable to play due to a disability.
He made Mikes love of football so much better by letting him contribute. We will always be greatful for Mr Gist and the whole CAC family.
Sarah Walker
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Coach Gist was a wonderful coach and an amazing person. I was a mediocre athlete at best, but he always made me feel like part of the team. Under his encouragement I went from being unable to run a mile to being able to finish middle of the pack in our cross country meets in a single season. Something I truly never believed I could do.
Even though I only spent a single season my senior year with him as my coach his words of motivation remain with me to this day. "Don't quit. You can do it. You've got the strength. Stop holding yourself back just because it gets uncomfortable."
 At so many points in my life after highschool athletics his words would become my words that I would say to encourage myself. They just became a part of me. And then I gave those words and that fire on to others. What an amazing person. He will be truly missed and I am so sorry for your loss.
Chad Smith
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Coach Gist changed my life in High School. My brother Mark played basketball for him but I wasn't able to due to a disability that I was born with. This was hard for me to accept because I had a heart for basketball. Coach Gist, however, wanted me to be involved. He not only made me be the basketball manager, but he made every effort to make me feel like I was a part of the team. At that time in my life, there was nothing I needed more. He even made a special award for me at the end of the season. Of course he didn't have to do that, but he did anyway because that's the kind of Coach that he was.
The simple acts of kindness that Coach Gist showed me greatly affected my life, perhaps more than he ever knew. I will always be grateful for the impact he had on me, and will never forget him.
Chad Smith
Deborah Brainard
Monday, September 4, 2017
Love & Prayers for you family during this difficult time.
Kelly Christian
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Brad was a wonderful person and special friend. My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time.
Sara and John Barton
Sunday, September 3, 2017
We went to Harding with Brad, Mike, and Caroline. We're sad to hear about your loss, and we will be praying for your family.
Judy Warren
Sunday, September 3, 2017
My sincere sympathy to Jo Anna, Will, Sam, and Max along with the extended family. Brad was so easy to like...what a great person. So very sorry for your loss.
Lora Jackson
Saturday, September 2, 2017
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Brad. I coached with Brad at Beebe. He was the best!! An awesome teacher and coach, he made things so easy and fun. I have many great memories of Brad. Besides coaching, we had morning duty together. There are still many mornings that I think of Brad showing up to duty with that big grin and that positive attitude. He always had a story or a snipit of something in the news, that he would share with his antics and flair. He would always make me laugh. Thank you Brad for making me laugh and for being my friend.
Tracey Winkler
Saturday, September 2, 2017
My sympathy to the entire family! Brad always had a smile on his face and was fun to be around! I am so thankful for his deep faith in God and the way he served faithfully so that we know without a doubt where he is now. I pray that all his family and friends will follow in his steps as he followed Jesus. Love and prayers, Tracey (Turner) Winkler, HU Class of 1989
Rayford and Patty Windle
Saturday, September 2, 2017
Our deepest sympathy goes to your family at this time. Our love and prayers are with you.
Jimmy Lee
Friday, September 1, 2017
God bless the Family!
Brad is now an Angel of the Lord watching over his family.
He will be truly missed!
Carol Wood Pearcy
Friday, September 1, 2017
Much love for Brad and family. Prayers for you all.
Lisa Curton
Friday, September 1, 2017
Brad, You would never imagine the lives you've touched throughout your wonderful life. Days you mentored our four children at CAC. Nights you had dinner with us. Field trips to Washington DC. You will be missed. Your victory is in Christ. Pat and Lisa Curton
Whitney Graves
Friday, September 1, 2017
So very sorry to hear of this loss. Coach Gist was a wonderful man & he will be missed by so many. Prayers to all family members during this difficult time. May God give you strength to carry on with his memory.
Kevin and Debbie Bay
Friday, September 1, 2017
Praying for divine comfort for the entire family. May God bless you in your time of reflection on Brad's life.
Paula & Amber Freer
Friday, September 1, 2017
Our hearts are sadden to hear about Mr. Gist. We will never forget his kindness while Amber attended CAC. Please know that we are praying for you all at this time
Cathy Dawson
Friday, September 1, 2017
Will & Sam I wanted you to know I'm praying for you boys. Your dad was a very brave man,
Tom Roach
Friday, September 1, 2017
Coach Gist was a great leader and teacher. Prayers and condolences to his family.
Tom Roach
Cathy &Jeff Shaneyfelt
Friday, September 1, 2017
JoAnna and family,
We share in your grief and are so sorry for this loss to you and to the world of a wonderful human being. May the love of friends give you comfort, and may the love of God give you peace. We love you all.
Terri Ellis
Friday, September 1, 2017
To the precious family of Brad and to my dear friends, Caroline & Mike, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you, and my prayers go up for you. At Harding, I remember Brad as always having a smile on his face, and having so much energy! That energy and joy spilled over to all those around him, and we were better off because he was there. I know that he has passed that legacy on to all of you. Please know how very much you are loved and cared about!
Jessica Wiley
Friday, September 1, 2017
My condolences to the Gist family. I am an employee at the East End School District in Bigelow, working at the elementary campus. Although I didn't interact with Dr. Gist very much, the times in passing, he was such a respectful and kind man. He had such a great impact on the lives he touched. He will truly be missed.
JJ Chaidez
Friday, September 1, 2017
I am so heartbroken to hear that Brad has passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with Jo Anna, Will, Sam, Max and all those who loved Brad.
Shannon and Terri Ayers
Friday, September 1, 2017
We were sadden to hear of Brad's passing. He touched our lives, as well as so many others and helped each one of us to be better in different ways. Much Love to you all. Shannon, Terri, Carson and Danielle Ayers