Edward Don Cargile

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Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
Pleasant Valley Country Club
1 Pleasant Valley Drive
Little Rock, AR  72212
Sunday, June 28, 2020
4:00 P.M.-6:00 P.M.
Cemetery
Pinecrest Memorial Park
7401 Hwy 5 N.
Alexander, AR  72002
Memorial Contributions
Alzheimer's Association of Arkansas
10201 West Markham, Suite 100
Little Rock, AR  72205
Edward Don Cargile

of Little Rock, AR

December 24, 1931 - May 20, 2020

Edward Don Cargile passed away on May 20, 2020, peacefully in his sleep with his bride of 65 years by his side. He fought an 8 year-long battle with Alzheimer's.

He was born in a tent in Rogers, Arkansas to Garland and Nancy Jane Parish Cargile, while his father worked for the Highway Department building roads in the Northwest part of the state. They finally made their way back to central Arkansas where he was raised in Quitman, on the family's cattle ranch. He was the eldest of three siblings.

Ed excelled in basketball, gaining him a scholarship to the University of Central Arkansas which was Arkansas State Teachers College back then. He graduated with an athletic degree and met the love of his life, Bonnie Lou Hale while attending. They were married in August 1954 and had three daughters, Kim, Kaye and Krista.

Ed started his coaching career at Sylvan Hills Jr. High School where he was asked by Harvey Young Sr. to start the 1st football program even though he had never played the game. After a 1-year stint in Missouri coaching, he was approached by a college friend, Max Harris, to enter the world of insurance with Travelers Life Inc., then 4 years later they were going to transfer him to San Jose, California. He resigned because he didn't want to move his family so far away and because he couldn't take his bird dog, Ole Bess. He had been interviewing with Jack East Jr., about starting a personal lines division in his company. He later joined friends, Gerald Barnett, Floyd McCann and John Meadors and started an insurance agency. Jack Ramer joined soon after and they formed Ramer, McCann, Meadors & Cargile Insurance Agency.

Early in his business career, he was introduced to the game of golf. He and Bonnie joined Riverdale Country Cub. Later the members bought land in West Little Rock to form Pleasant Valley Country Club. He became one of the top golfers in his age division in the state of Arkansas. He often said he sold more insurance on the golf course than he did sitting in his office.

Another passion of Ed's was horses. A lifetime member of the Arkansas Quarter Horse Association, he made many lifelong friends. They shared many adventures and laughs together, especially since Ed was such a joke teller. He often said how lucky he was to have them and treasured them all. His nickname for his friends was "Pard" for partner. Friends called him Big Ed or Eddie Don. He was Big Daddy to his grandchildren. One of his best friends, Ray Bell, lovingly called him 'Easy Ed'.

Ed is preceded in death by his mother and father, Nancy and Garland Cargile. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Cargile; brother, Bob Cargile; sister, Nadine McGhee; daughters, Kim Alexander, Kaye Cargile and Krista Wilson; grandchildren, Austin Alexander, Makenna Wilson, Aspen Long, and Catlin Levitt; and great-granddaughter, Addison Levitt.

Bonnie is indebted for the loving care of Ed, to her daughter, Krista Wilson and caregivers, Eric Grimes, Yvonna Linder and Dana Downs.

There will be a private family graveside service Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at Pinecrest Memorial Park. A celebration of Ed's life is scheduled at Pleasant Valley Country Club on June 28, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Arkansas Alzheimer's Association, 10201 West Markham, Suite 100., Little Rock, AR 72205.



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10 Condolence(s)
Elder Eric and Victoria Cole-Grimes
, AR
Liked
Tuesday, May 26, 2020

We love you all and will keep you all lifted up in our prayers

Mark Smitherman
Higden, AR
Liked
Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Dear Ms. Cargile and family,
My sincerest condolences to all of you on your loss. I only have a few memories of Mr. Ed. Those were when I was a child. I am really sending these condolences on behalf of my late mother, Wanetta Smitherman, who worked as his secretary during the B.M.M.C. and R.M.M.C. years. Most of what I know about Mr. Ed is from what my Mom told me. He was truly an out of the ordinary person and he will definitely be missed.
Best Wishes.
Mark Smitherman

Del and Peggy Roberson
Benton, AR
Liked
Monday, May 25, 2020

Bonnie, we are so sad to hear of Ed's death. We have fond memories of that first trip to Point Clear, AL with Travelers. Ed had recruited Del into the life department at Travelers. We will always be grateful for the opportunities made possible by that event. We send our sincere sympathy to your entire family.

Rita Johnson Towles
Bandera, TX
Liked
Sunday, May 24, 2020

Dear Mrs. Cargile, Kim, Kaye, and Krista,
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Cargile was always so kind. You and your family are in my prayers. My you find peace in the great memories you have in your heart.
Sincerely,
Rita Johnson Towles

Rodger W Duncan
Searcy, AR
Liked
Sunday, May 24, 2020

We will always remember the good times with Ed and the family. He was a great friend and a great person. We are sorry that he has passed but thankful for the good life he led and the good that he contributed to the ones he knew.

Anita Heard Brown
Pooler, GA
Liked
Sunday, May 24, 2020

Dear Kim, Mrs. Cargile, Kaye & Kristan,
I am so sorry for your families loss & my heart is hugging yours! I will be praying for peace & comfort over each of you during your time of grieving. May you feel the love surrounding you from many who knew & loved your dad & husband. Draw from the memories & share those w/one another as the days, weeks & months go by!
Love & prayers,
Anita Heard Brown

Kay Graves
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, May 24, 2020

I want to say I’m sorry for your loss. It is very hard seeing your parent go through this awful disease. I can say just keep the memories close to your heart and in your mind, because I’m sure you have lots of them. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Carla Hilliard
Hot Springs, AR
Liked
Sunday, May 24, 2020

So sorry!!! Love you all, will see you all on the 26th.

Renea Harrod
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, May 24, 2020

To Ms. Cargile, Everyone knew how much you loved him. My prayers for your loss and peace for the coming days. To the girls, I know personally how the loss of your daddy feels. I pray for y’all for the continued care for your mother and Gods love and mercy for your dear family. Your parents were always so kind to me.

Leeann Gourley
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, May 24, 2020

My thoughts and prayers are with the family for your loss. Rejoice that he home and playing on the best golf course he has ever seen and watching over his family. Lots of love to you.