Biography: E.L. ?Bud? Hewitt, age 89, of Little Rock died on August 14, 2012. Little Rock?s loss is Heavens gain. Not only an icon of the Heights business district and a lifelong volunteer, E.L. ?Bud? Hewitt was primarily known for his faith, his family and his character. He was the personification of the phrase ?he never met a stranger?. On Tuesday, August 14th, 2012, Bud, or ?Buddy? as he was affectionately called, went home to his precious Lord. He was born in Little Rock on May 2, 1923, to Leeila C. and James F. Hewitt. Bud grew up in both Parkhill and Little Rock, and attended Little Rock Senior High School briefly before attending New Mexico Military Academy. He proudly served in the U.S. Army Air Corp during World War II in both the Philippines and in Okinawa, Japan. Early in his business career Bud worked for Sterling Stores before starting Heights Variety and Hardware in 1950. Most Little Rock residents over the age of forty have fond memories of the variety store on Kavanaugh, not only for the candy counter and merchandise, but for the warm and genuine heart of the owner. His playful sense of humor, constant smile and big heart touched the lives of everyone who knew him. Known for his generosity, Bud always kept a folded $20 bill in his wallet in case he met a friend or a stranger in need. The variety store was open for 33 years before closing in 1982. His dear friend and store manager, Doyne Elder, was with him for 26 years. Bud was also an owner in the Park Plaza Raceway where young and old alike would gather to race their slot cars. Bud was a founding member of the Pulaski Heights Merchants Association, helped start Pulaski Bank & Trust and was instrumental in the development of many of the stores in the Heights business district. He was an Eagle Scout and was a proud and active member of Troop 45, which is made up of men who have been involved in scouting for over 45 years. He was an active Rotarian, where he held many offices including president. He volunteered countless hours as a Big Brother, and received his 2,000 hour pin as a volunteer at St. Vincent?s Medical Center. Although an avid Razorback fan, Bud was more concerned about the game that really matters ? the game of life. Bud was most passionate about his work in the church. He began as a Sunday school teacher at Westover Hills Presbyterian Church, where he also served as a deacon. Years later, he taught Sunday school at Bethel Chapel and was very instrumental in leading vacation Bible school for many years. His last years of service were at Covenant Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder for 15 years, and retired as an elder emeritus. Preceded in death by his parents, James F. and Leeila C. Hewitt. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen G. ?Kitty? Hewitt, his sister, Betty Thompson, his daughters, Babs Dodd (David) and Billie Thorpe (Rob); Sam Thorpe (Chrissy), grandchildren Matt Thorpe (Akina), Wes Thorpe (Catherine), Jay Thorpe (Katherine), James Thorpe (Amy), John Thorpe (Beth), Ben Thorpe (Tifanny), Anna Thorpe and fifteen great grandchildren. The family wants to say a special thank you to Bud?s compassionate physician, Dr. Patrick Fields, and his gracious and loving caregivers ? Karen Taylor and Bessie Smith. You will always be family. While we will miss him greatly, his family is excited to know he will be on the front row in heaven, worshipping His God and waiting to greet us with a big smile and warm hug when we get there. A family visitation will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church on Saturday, August 18th, at 9:00am, followed by a celebration of Bud?s life at 10:00am. Graveside services with military honors will be held afterward at Pinecrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church, Community Bible Study or the Quapaw Area Boys Scouts of America. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com