Theodore B. Thorsen III

Theodore B. (Ted) Thorsen III went to be with the Lord on July 14, 2026. Ted was born in Decorah, Iowa on May 13, 1947. He was the son of Theodore and Betty Thorsen.

Ted's father was in the military, so they relocated frequently. He attended Westwood High School in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1967, after high school, Ted joined the army. He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War, having completed two tours of duty as a combat medic in the 82nd Airborne.

After Vietnam, Ted moved to San Antonio, Texas where he DJ'd for a few different radio stations. He then graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio.

In 1989, Ted moved to Arkansas and met future wife Sandra. Ted retired from the Social Security Administration. He was an active member of Agape Church in Little Rock. He served in the prison ministry as a chaplain's assistant. Ted loved music and was very talented at playing guitar, drums, singing and was a very good dancer.

Ted is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sandra Garman Thorsen, his children Scott Sparks (Amy), Shannon Walter (Dewayne) of White Hall, Brandon Barbaree (Jennifer) of Springdale and Godson Aric Sutton of Heber Springs. "Papa Ted" adored his grand- children/great grandchildren; Jordan, Tristan, Braden, and Brooklyn Sparks, Taylor Albright and Brett, Brynnlee, Baxley Barbaree.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents Theodore and Betty Thorsen; his brother Phillip Thorsen and sister Sonja Thorsen.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, August 4 at 1:00 pm at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.

Please visit www.smithfamilycares.com for the online obituary and guestbook.