A.V. "Buster" Beardsley III

Arthur Virgil “Buster” Beardsley III entered his heavenly home on July 5, 2026, just three days after returning from a beach vacation with his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Buster was born in Norfolk, Virginia, during World War II on May 27, 1943, to Arthur V. Beardsley Jr. and Grace Weybright Beardsley. After the war, the Beardsley family moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, where Buster graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1961. During his high school years, he played drums for the High Steppers and also played drums in the band The Fidel’s. 

He attended the University of Arkansas, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. After leaving the University, Buster joined his father in business at Arkansas School Service. During that season of life, he met Billie, the love of his life and wife of 60 years. July 11 would have marked their 61st wedding anniversary.

Buster later became an investment banker and went on to form his own company, Beardsley Advisors, which he eventually sold to Crews & Associates. He loved his work and especially enjoyed working alongside his son, Scott, and his brother, Ray. Together, their team grew to advise the majority of Arkansas school districts. Buster was widely respected in his field and was recognized for his meaningful partnership with Arkansas school superintendents and boards. 

More than his success in business, Buster will be remembered for the way he loved people. He never met a stranger, and he had a gift for making everyone feel welcomed, seen, and included. His beautiful smile, big hugs, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on all who knew him. 

Buster also lived a life of service. He was the youngest Arkansas Governor for Optimist International and later served as an International Vice President. During his 50 years as a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, he taught Sunday school and served in a variety of lay leadership roles. He later became a member of Fellowship Bible Church.

An avid fisherman, Buster found great joy in being outdoors and on the water. He loved gathering with family and friends, sharing a meal, telling stories, and simply being with the people he loved. His favorite things could be summed up by the “Five F’s”: faith, family, friends, food, and fishing.

 Buster is survived by his wife, Billie; his son, Scott, and wife, Lynn, and their children, Addie and Alex; his daughter, Lori, and husband, Paul Chapman, and their children, Blakeley and Steave Litwiller, Allison and Tom Tran, Caden, Sophie, and Josh Chapman; his great-grandchildren, James and Charlotte; his brother, Ray Beardsley, and wife, Sheila; the Shepherd clan and their families; and his dear friend, John O’Donnell.

Heartfelt gratitude is expressed to the residents and staff of Brookdale Assisted Living Center for their loving care.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, Thursday, July 9 at 4:00 p.m. with visitation to follow at 5:00 p.m. 

Donations in his honor may be made to Restore Hope at www.RestoreHope.io/about.