of Little Rock, AR
October 17, 1930 - February 11, 2022
Arthur W. Gillum, lovingly known as Sunny Boy, was born October 17, 1930 to Don Gillum and Sybil King in Rover, AR. At 15 he and his family moved to Gould, AR where he graduated before attending Monticello A & M for 2 years. He then attended the University of Arkansas Fayetteville before joining the Air Force, where he trained as a jet fighter pilot.
In 1953 he attended the inaugural parade for President Eisenhower where he met a nursing student, Jo Harbert, whom he married on July 3 the same year. They were happily married for 53 years, until Jo's death in 2006.
After leaving the Air Force in 1956, he attended Kansas State University where he received his Bachelor of Science and his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. In 1960 he moved to Little Rock to begin practicing his craft, and later partnered with Dr. Darrell Wood and Dr. Jim VanPatter to form one of the first veterinary partnerships in the state; he opened his clinic, Cloverdale Animal Hospital, in 1962. His oldest son, Michael, joined him in 1982. He retired in 1993, due to eyesight issues. Cloverdale Animal Hospital is still in operation, celebrating 60 years.
Art lived a life of service to his community. As a member of Kiwanis Club, he sponsored the first Key Club at Parkview High School; he served on the LRSD School Board from 1973-1984; he was awarded the only honorary lifetime membership to the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association; he became a program coordinator at LifeQuest of Arkansas in 2006, serving on the Curriculum Committee, and he received the Dedicated Service Award from LifeQuest of Arkansas in 2021.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Donna Lea Miller and Betty Rose McDuffie; his brother John Wesley Gillum; and a son, Charles Richard Gillum. He is survived by his sister, Martha Ann Jeane; his brother and sister-in-law Rex and Barbara Gillum; and his children, Michael, Scott, and David Gillum, Kimberly and Steve Tribett, Rhonda Gillum, and Lisa Johnson; as well as his numerous beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:00am Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at Pulaski Heights Methodist Church with Reverend Jeff Hampton officiating. Burial will follow at 1:00pm at Pinecrest Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to PHUMC or LifeQuest of Arkansas.
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30 Condolence(s)
Steve Martin
Monday, January 2, 2023
Still miss seeing Art at LRAC. He always had wise words for those gathered around the coffee corner.
Ann Ivey
Sunday, February 20, 2022
To Kim and other family members,
I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. I so enjoyed knowing him through your mother (I continue to miss her), and later, through LifeQuest. He was a wonderful, caring person.
Ann Ivey
Susan wood bennett
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
I thought your dad was one of the nicest people. I’m sure you will all miss him. Thinking of you.
Lynn Jones
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
I am so sorry about your dad. Love and prayers to you and your family. I hope you find peace and comfort in the days to come.
Don and Lynn Jones
Sharum Dinning
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
As Thursday Lunch Bunch Instigator, I fear the table will erupt in bedlam without Art’s wry humor and calming influence! He was a true friend to everyone, dog, cat, eagle, robin, chameleon, cow, Appaloosa, and ghecko he met! Prayers for the family and Homer’s. Rest In Peace, my Friend!
Shirley watson
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
So sorry for the loss of your dad. Prayers for all of the Gilliam family ðŸ™
Marsha Lynne Garofolo
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Some people just sparkle and make the world a better place. Uncle Art was one of those very special people. Sending love to my cousins. Your Dad will always be missed and will always be with you, in the legacy that he left to you.
Bruce n Linda Singley
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Dr..Mike and family- we are so very sorry to hear of your Dad passing.. We remember when he ran the clinic with tou prior to his eye problems..Prayers for your family.
Much love n hugs,
Bruce n Linda
Cherie Crow
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
My sincere condolences to the entire Gillum family. Art & Jo were dear friends of myself and my family for many years....first meeting him in the 1970s during his partnership with Dr Wood and Dr VanPatter....what a fun time and memories we all had....I saw Art a few years ago and it was wonderful "catching up" and laughing about memories we shared....Art was a true gentleman and a kind man, whom I will NEVER forget.........RIP my friend.
Robin Cartwright
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Rest in Love, Doc….heartfelt condolences to all family members. It was approximately 40yrs ago that Doctor Art trained me to be one of his animal techs. The patience he had was over the top. It wasn’t long before I was popping instruments in the palm of his hand during surgery. We had great Synchronicity and timing. Both he and son , Mike, were both very good teachers! They , along with Jo, treated myself and the other tech, Sharon , as family. I know he is having quite the reunion with his beloved Jo! â¤ï¸
Warm Regards,
Robin Cartwright
Stephanie Myers
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
I am thinking of you all and sending love and prayers. I remember Dr. Art coming into the clinic weekly (sometimes daily) to make sure that we were operating the animal hospital properly, prior to meeting all of his buddies for lunch at the Sizzler (Western Sizzler). As time passed, and the good restaurants closed, he slowly stopped coming in as often. I missed those lunch dates with his local friends. He was such a pleasure to be around.
I know that he has a very large crown in heaven, from all of the good deeds he performed while here on earth. He will be missed. Sending lots of love to the entire family.
With Sincere Sympathy,
Stephanie Myers
Che Dolan
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Kim and family,
I remember his humor and smile every time I saw him. He just wrapped you up in conversation and always had something to say. He adored you and your whole family and let everyone know that every conversation. When I worked at PHUMC and he walked by me, you weren’t far away and he’d always say “you know Kim’s my girl†and I’d say yes sir, y’all are like peas in a pod. She seemed to be always taking care of him. Blessing as you remember all his humor and goodness!
Steven L Miller
Monday, February 14, 2022
Uncle Art was a great family man who extended his love and helping hands to a large extended family. After our father died when were still children he stepped in to help our Mother and spent time with us as we were growing up. Much later in life after my mother fell victim to Dementia, he helped us think through difficult decisions regarding her care.
Love, admiration & respect. Your nephew Steve Miller
Cindy Rotenberry
Sunday, February 13, 2022
I am going to miss my dear friend, Art. I have been having lunch with Art and a few other friends every Thursday for about 5 years now. We have had some wonderful discussions at these weekly lunches. I have gotten to know Art a lot better these past few months driving him around to various appointments and I must say it was an honor to have the privilege to get to be with him during these times. Sending my prayers to the family.
Wayne Boren
Sunday, February 13, 2022
I attended Gould Public School with Arthur. He was a very nice person.
David Cummings
Sunday, February 13, 2022
Art was full of humor when I visited the clinic and during the holidays in the 1980’s. R.I.P. Art
Kerry
Sunday, February 13, 2022
Best vet ever. He was my family vet for many years. He always treated me and my pets with much care and respect. He also contributed so much to the city of Little Rock. He will be missed.
Maggie Milligan
Sunday, February 13, 2022
The Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association and the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Foundation appreciate your dedication to each association and the veterinary profession. Thoughts and prayers to the the Gillum family. RIP Dr. Arthur Gillum.
Gretchen and Mark Nunez
Sunday, February 13, 2022
Art,
We will miss seeing you out for your daily walks, and us coming by for a chat. You are a wonderful man and will be greatly missed by so many. I know you and I my dad will have a great many discussions in heaven. â¤ðŸ™
Sherry McDuffie
Saturday, February 12, 2022
Growing up, the summers of my younger years were usually spent with my Gillum family in AR. I was lucky to spend quality time with all of them especially Uncle Sonny Boy, Aunt Jo, & the cousins. I was the oldest of the cousins. Uncle Sonny Boy called me a few weeks ago. It was great hearing from him & catching up. He will be missed. Until we meet again!
Marie Lisko
Saturday, February 12, 2022
Hi Kim from Larry and Marie. So sorry to hear about your dad. I know how much he meant to you and how much you loved him. Prayers for you and your family and hopes that you always remember the good times.
Steve and Sherry Rakes
Saturday, February 12, 2022
Mike, we are so very sorry about your loss. God bless you and your family through this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Leah Greenfield
Saturday, February 12, 2022
We will dearly miss Art’s leadership, friendship, and good humor at LifeQuest. His many friends will remember his warm smile and gentle spirit.
Gina Bridges
Saturday, February 12, 2022
Art was a beloved member of LifeQuest. He had a good sense of humor and was so patient always telling us that "you girls" were doing a good job. He loved being responsible for creating lasting relationships with other beloved instructor. We will miss him. I'm so glad we were able to recognize him for his dedication.
Rex and Barbara Gillum
Saturday, February 12, 2022
We will miss our weekly coffee sessions. Art called every Saturday morning. Together, we solved world problems. We laughed together. We will miss those treasured moments. He was a treasure to all who knew him. He always lifted those around him.
Susan and Herb Watson
Saturday, February 12, 2022
Our Uncle Art was a favorite of everyone, especially in our eyes. He and Aunt Jo helped welcome Herb to our family in 1977 and were so loving to us and to our children, Alan and Adam. My most memorable Thanksgiving was spent with them and your family, filled with more love and memories to last a life time. My most memorable visit to our home on Lake Bentwater in Texas overfilled our memories forever. We will miss him and send you love, especially in this time of loss. Love, Susan and Herb
Jo Jnight
Saturday, February 12, 2022
He and Jo friends for long time .will be missed so much greatly at Sunday School and Church.wonderful Vet too. Prayers forall. God Bless Jo
Michelle and Mark Mann
Saturday, February 12, 2022
Kim, we are so sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and strength for you and your family at this difficult time.
Rebecca Ann Willis
Saturday, February 12, 2022
Fond memories of my favorite Uncle Art and Aunt Jo. I did not know how they met - wonderful story. We spent many fun times together in Arkansas and West Virginia with Art, Jo, Michael, Scott, David and Kim. In recent years, Art and I spoke on the phone. Always loved his sense of humor and his sense of style. He will be fondly remembered. Love to all the family.
Marietta Kehler
Saturday, February 12, 2022
Art was a wonderful person. He will be greatly missed