William Christopher "Chris" Counts

William Christopher “Chris” Counts passed unexpectedly on April 2, 2026 at his home in North Little Rock, Arkansas of an upper GI bleed. He was born on January 31, 1974 in Hot Springs, Arkansas to Vickee (Houpt) Counts Pearson of Maumelle and William Phillip Counts of Hot Springs.

Chris was a life-long resident of Arkansas. He grew up in the small rural community of Lonsdale where his church teachings and regard for neighbors would shape his life. His greatest influence was his granny Houpt who he loved dearly. He began school at Rural Dale, but upon the school’s closing, he finished his elementary and high school education in Benton. He graduated from Benton High School in 1992. During those years, he was a proud member of the Panther Band, beginning in the seventh grade playing trumpet, where he found a love for music. He went on to continue his education, earning degrees in Marketing from the University of Central Arkansas and in Psychology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock—an accomplishment reflecting both his drive and his wide range of interests.

He began his career with Southwestern Bell/AT&T where he quickly attained skills excelling in sales and customer service. With his kind manner and ability to easily connect with people, this became his area of expertise. At the time of his death, he was employed with Dillards at Park Plaza Mall where he made many friends through respect for his co-workers.

Chris always had a creative spirit and love for the arts. He actively participated in theatre for many years and later enjoyed attending events at the local theaters. He performed with the Royal Theatre in Benton in the productions of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, You Can’t Take it with You, Smokey Joe’s, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Frankenstein, Shrek, and others. He also performed with the Community Theatre in Crimes of the Heart and with The Weekend Theater in Trial of the Catonsuille Nine in Little Rock as well as other productions. It was early in his theater years that he met Amanda Gillmore who would become a true life-long best friend and Christian influence in his life.

Chris was a member of Second Baptist Church Downtown in Little Rock where he shared his gift for singing as a member of the choir. He was quickly embraced by the Christian congregation and looked forward to the socialization of a church family. Of course, one of those many events in a Baptist church are potluck dinners; one of Chris’ many pleasures was food.

However, above all the center of his world and his greatest joy was his son, Matthew Christopher “Sport”, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder. Chris loved the special moments shared with his son, and delighted in listening to Matthew’s many stories and his newest creative adventure. He had a great appreciation and admiration for Matthew’s mother, Kathleen Winters, for her timeless care of and protective love for his son.

Chris is survived by his son and parents; brother, David Aaron Counts and nephew Ben Counts of Hot Springs; sister Andrea Counts; step-brothers Collin and Justin Ritter; special aunts Sandy Brown and Darlene “De” Loftis, Mary (Ron) Toney, and Irma Fryar; uncles David (Jeri) Houpt, Garry Houpt and Richard Houpt, along with many cousins, extended family members, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Obadiah Houpt and Lillian Louise (Parrish) Houpt “granny Houpt”; aunts Hazel Gentry, Belva Daniels, Virginia Whitener, and Barbara Peek; uncles Roland Gentry, Jake Fryar and Darrell Daniels.

Chris will be deeply missed by all who knew him. But he will be remembered for that gentle, tender loving spirit and caring nature that drew people to him. His loyal support dog and constant companion, Hunter, was a reflection of the love and comfort he cherished in life.

A visitation will be held on April 7, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Smith Family Funeral Home in Benton. Funeral services will take place the following morning, April 8, at 10:00 AM at the same location. Burial will follow at Ten Mile Cemetery in Lonsdale.

The family would like to acknowledge Sgt. C Umholtz, and officers J. House, J. Blankenship, and D. Ivy of the North Little Rock Police Department, not only for their professionalism but, for their sincere compassion shown to Chris’ mother during the most difficult moment of a parent’s life. Our sincere gratitude for their acts of kindness will always be remembered. Also, a special thanks to the EMTs from MEMS Maumelle Unit and the rescue team from Station 4 of the North Little Rock Fire Department on Maumelle Blvd who responded.

Donations may be made to:

Arkansas Autism Foundation at www.arkansasautismfoundation.org

Community Connections in Conway at www.communityconnectionar.org

Ten Mile Cemetery, c/o 16076 Hwy 70, Benton AR 72019

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