Herman Dewayne Harley

Herman Dewayne Harley, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away on June 6, 2026. Dr Harley was a distinguished licensed certified social worker and esteemed leader in the field of mental health. Born on January 9, 1942, in Malvern, Arkansas, Herman devoted his life to advancing mental health services and advocating for individuals facing mental health challenges. His professional journey and community involvement leave a lasting legacy that has deeply impacted his community.

Herman’s educational accomplishments laid a strong foundation for his career. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Henderson State University in 1962, followed by a Master of Science of Clinical Social Work from the University of Tennessee in 1966. Furthering his expertise, he attained a Ph.D. in Professional Counseling from Capella University in 2001.

Throughout his professional career, Herman held prominent roles at every tier of the public mental health system, distinguishing himself as the first non-M.D. Director of the Arkansas Mental Health Division. His unique ability to combine administrative leadership with clinical practice allowed him to effectively address complex mental health needs. His specialties included marital and relationship problems, depression and anxiety, trauma, and family systems. Herman’s professional tenure included key leadership positions such as CEO of Birch Tree Communities; co-founder of Harley and Harley Counseling, LLC; Director of the Community Support Program with Community Counseling Services in Hot Springs; Director of Mental Health Services for the Arkansas Division of Mental Health Services in Little Rock; Founder and Executive Director of the Counseling Clinic in Benton; Director of the Social Work Department at Benton State Hospital; and Child Welfare Supervisor with the Arkansas Department of Public Welfare.

Herman’s contributions were extensively recognized by a variety of esteemed organizations. His accolades included the Presidential Award (1985), Community Service Awards (1987 and 1994), Practitioner of the Year Award (2002) from the Arkansas Council of Community Mental Health Centers, Professional Awards from the Autism Society of Arkansas (1986) and the Arkansas Alliance for the Mentally Ill (1987), the Presidents Award from the Mental Health Council (2009), and the John C. Stockburger Award (2012). Beyond individual recognition, Herman’s accomplishments involved active leadership in community organizations, including serving as Board Chairman of the Mental Health Council of Arkansas, President of Water Users LLC and the Southwest Water Users Association, President of the Board of Directors of the Central Arkansas Alcohol Treatment Consortium, President of the Arkansas Council of Mental Health Centers, and as a notable Kiwanian President. His early leadership was evident through honors such as the Order of DeMolay in 1956 and attaining the rank of Eagle Scout that same year with Troop 20 in Malvern, Arkansas.

Herman ardently believed in the principle, “work together to achieve the best,” was not only seen in his professional life but in the life of his family. Herman found enjoyment in a variety of activities with his family and friends that enriched his life, including bowling, golfing, water skiing, horsemanship, and woodworking.

Herman is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Patricia Kay (Springer) Harley of Benton, Arkansas; daughters Sherrie Dianne Harley Loyd and Vickie Christine Durham, and her husband Michael, all residing in Benton; grandchildren Glen Loyd and his wife Brittany, Amanda Andres and her husband Jon, Cole Durham and his wife Emily, and Hailey Luckett and her husband Jacob; as well as great-grandchildren Abbi Andres, Drake Andres, Harper Loyd, Brantley Renfroe, Ashlyn Loyd, Blakely Durham, Willa Durham, Sloane Durham, Luke Luckett, and Everett Luckett. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Sherry Lee Springer Bartholow, nephew Bradley Bartholow and his wife Nicole, and a host of family and friends who cherished and will profoundly miss him.

Herman was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Wanda (Fitzhugh) Harley, and siblings Louise Cox, Catherine Russell, and Buddy Harley.

A visitation will be held on June 12, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service beginning at 12:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, located at 200 S Market St, Benton, Arkansas 72015. These services will provide an opportunity for family, friends, colleagues, and community members to honor Herman's exemplary life and enduring contributions. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to CJCOHN at PO Box 1146, Benton, AR 72018, or to Habitat for Humanity https://habitatsalinecounty.com.

Herman Dewayne Harley’s unwavering dedication to improving mental health care, his pioneering leadership, and compassionate advocacy have left an indelible mark on his community. His legacy will continue to inspire those who work toward the betterment of mental health services and the well-being of individuals and families for generations to come.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.