Gary Acklen

Gary “Puddyman” Lynn Acklen, 67, of North Little Rock joined Heaven’s choir on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 after a hard fought battle. He was born February 8, 1952 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Bud and Mary Lucille Acklen.

Gary was an accomplished musician and a great entertainer.  His bands included Home Cookin’, Jim Aldridge Band, YT&T Band, Chuey & The Dudes, the Turning Point Band and was pianist at his church, Sherwood Cumberland Presbyterian. Gary brightened up the room when he walked into it.  He was the same day-in-and-day-out.  He was a fierce lover of life with everyone he came into contact with on a daily basis. His laughter and smile was contagious and will be missed. Gary did not look to be blessed in life—he looked to be a blessing.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kim “Momma” Sandefur Acklen; son, Justin (Kim) Acklen and their children: James and Jack; daughters, Rae (Ben) Wright and Ashley Acklen; several grandchildren; brothers, Glenn Acklen and Wayne Acklen (Louise); special aunt, Sissy; brother and sister-in-law, Coach Randy and Leslie Sandefur; mother-in-law, Betty Sandefur; nieces and nephews, Amy (Robert) Workman, Jordan (Kelsey) Sandefur, Jake (Molly Anne) Sandefur, James Sandefur; great nephew, Griffin Workman; great-nieces, Savannah Caroline Sandefur, Kelsie “Grundy” (Austin); his Special Girls, Anna Beth and Izzie; as well as extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Mark Acklen.

A special thank you to St. Vincent’s Infirmary ICU staff and Doctors Dietrich and Seale for their prayers and hardwork.

A visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 18, 2020, at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Concord Cemetery.