Biography: Dr Harold H. Chakales, age 77, peacefully fell asleep in the Lord on Tuesday, December 13, 2011. He was predeceased by his father, Dr. Harry John Chakales and mother, Venus Trakas Chakales of Brooklyn, NY and sister, Martha Chakales Saras of Hazelton, PA. Dr. Chakales received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC. After he completed his Orthopedic Residency at the Baylor University College of Medicine in Houston, TX and the University of Arkansas Medical Center in Little Rock, Dr Chakales served as Assistant Professor and Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Arkansas Medical Center. Dr Chakales began his private practice in Orthopedic Surgery in Little Rock in 1969. Over the past 42 years, Dr Chakales has maintained an extensive and loyal following of patients. Dr Chakales was a very generous and compassionate philanthropist who devoted many hours as a physician and surgeon to help those who were unable to afford medical care. Consistent with the wishes of Dr. Chakales, the family would like to express their gratitude to his beloved and faithful patients, many of whom traveled not only from all over the state of Arkansas but as far away as Tennessee, Louisiana, and Texas to return to his care. Dr. Chakales was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, Pulaski County Medical Society, Arkansas Medical Society, Arkansas Orthopedic Society, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, American College of Surgeons, International College of Surgeons, North American Spine Society, and the Society of Lateral Access Surgery. His hospital appointments included the University of Arkansas Medical Center, Veteran?s Administration Hospital, St Vincent?s Infirmary, Baptist Medical Center and Baptist Health Medical Center. In addition to his medical career, Dr Chakales served on the University of Central Arkansas Board of Trustees for the past 17 years. He was first appointed to the board by former Arkansas Governor and President of the United States, Bill Clinton, in 1985. He received his second appointment by Arkansas Governor Jim Guy Tucker and his third appointment from Governor Mike Beebe. Dr Chakales served as Chairman of the UCA board in 1989, 1997, and 2010. Dr. Chakales was deeply committed to the University of Central Arkansas and will be remembered for consistent support of their academic programs. He was especially interested in the Fine Arts programs and the Baum gallery. He will be missed by the students, faculty, and staff. Dr. Chakales will be remembered by his family and his many friends as an extremely generous, compassionate, and loving father, grandfather, gifted surgeon and philanthropist. He was always very proud of his cherished children and grandchildren. He is survived by his son, H. John Chakales II of Houston, Texas; daughter Carrie Chakales Hoyme (Tod Hoyme) of Marietta, GA; the mother of his children, Linda Chakales Holbert; his four grandchildren, Hunter, Carson, Lexie and Zoe as well as many beloved friends, cousins, nieces and nephews. Dr Chakales was a member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church where he previously had served on the Parish Council for several years. Dr. Chakales enjoyed building R.C. airplanes and was an experienced pilot. He was a member of MARCS Flying Club and will be missed by his friends there. Dr. Chakales was also an avid animal lover and had helped rescue, rehabilitate and facilitate adoptions of countless wounded and homeless cats. The family would like to express special gratitude to his faithful office employees, especially his office nurse, Carol Williams and his office manager, Bridget M. Hart for their unfailing commitment to him until his passing. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be sent to the UCA Foundation: Harold Chakales Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 4986, Conway, AR 72035. The Memorial prayer will be held Friday, December 16, 2011 at 6 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 1100 Napa Valley Dr, Little Rock, AR on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com
My sincere sympathies to his family!