Rodney Hestand Getchell

Deprecated: trim(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /home/ruebel/public_html/obits/obituaries.php on line 271
Aug 11th, 2015

Deprecated

/home/ruebel/public_html/obits/obituaries.php

279

Death Date: Aug 11, 2015

Deprecated

/home/ruebel/public_html/obits/obituaries.php

285

Deprecated

/home/ruebel/public_html/obits/obituaries.php

302

Save: Print this Obituary

Biography: Rodney Hestand Getchell, 63, died Tuesday, August 11, 2015 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Rodney was a loving father to his two sons, Jordan and Clayton, and to his future daughter-in-law Megan, an excellent husband to his wife Debbie; and a caring brother to Roland ?Butch? Getchell. He leaves many close friends behind, and he will always be remembered with love and affection. Rodney was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, on March 16, 1952. He is preceded in death by his father, Roland Getchell, and mother, Frances Getchell. Being raised in the family?s grocery business, Hestand?s, Rodney dedicated a significant portion of his time to his family, friends, and employees at work. His work ethic and outgoing personality made him a memorable individual. With a heart and a smile the size of his personality, Rodney never met a stranger and extended his love into every corner of his life. His family and friends serve as testaments to his loving character. In his spare time, he enjoyed snow skiing, duck hunting, and boating. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 West 17th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 15th. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com

Condolences(55)

Eric Rogers

#55

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I cannot think of Rodney without smiling. He was a wonderful friend. Always glad to see you and with a smile on his face. I could go on all day recounting all his kindness toward me and my family. He was one in a million, a gentleman and will be missed by so many. God bless.

Gene & Pam Franks

#54

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Rodney was a friend to everyone he met. We know you will miss him beyond measure. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.

Tom Owen III

#53

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Debbie. April and I just learned about Rodney's passing. We pray for you and the boys comfort and strength in this difficult time. Please let us know if we can do anything for you.

I am glad to have known him and he made our lives better during the Hestands years. We sure miss those days.

greg aureli

#52

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

thanks for good times we had growing up.may you rest in peace.gregand Karen aureli.

Lougene F. Redden

#51

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Debbie, Boys and Butch,

Rodney was an exceptional person as a boyhood friend of Lee's and later as an adult member of Pine Bluff's social and business community. Hestand's and your family will always be a pleasant memory to the long-time residents. I am sure Rodney's and your deep faith will be of comfort to you at this time.

Ed and Holly Halstead Harris

#50

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Debbie, Jordan, Clayton, and Butch, we were so very sorry to hear of Rodney's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time. May the Lord wrap His arms around you and hold you close so that you may find the strength you need. Love, Holly

Jimmy and Bitsie Collins

#49

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Butch and family
We were so sorry to hear of Rodney,s death...Our story with your family of love and friendship goes back many many years...Rodney was truly a wonderful guy whom we loved as little boy, as young man, and he grew into a special kind adult... He will be missed by all who knew him... you all are in our thoughts and prayers..

Linda Duke Norton

#48

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Butch--Scotty and I were so sorry to hear about Rodney. I have been connected to the Hestand's since I was a little girl and feel as though we are related. Scotty remembers your brother always working with you at the store on Olive.
Missed you at the reunion last year.

Please know our prayers are with you!
Scotty and Linda Norton

Ericka Mays and family

#47

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Our prayers go out to your family at this time.

Helen Claire & Teryl Brooks

#46

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Butch, Debbie and sons, Teryl and I send our deepest sympathy. We have many fond memories of Hestand's on Olive in Pine Bluff. Friendliness and personal service was Rodney's trademark. May God richly bless you during this time.

Ben. R QUINN JR

#45

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Debbie and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Rodney's passing. He was a true gentleman, who will be missed by all who knew him.

Lucy McNew

#44

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dear Debbie and family,

We are so sorry for your loss. Rodney was truly
a special person. He was always so kind to our family.

Lucy and Charlie McNew

Stephen Cheatwood

#43

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I'm very sorry to hear of Rodney's passing. He was a friend that always made your day better. One of the best of our generation.

Mary Riggins

#42

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Rodney was a great friend to our family and Uncle Rodney to my girls for many years. We have many fond memories of Hestands and Rodney. Please accept our love and thoughts during this time.

Brenda Fowler

#41

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Debbie, boys, Butch, and extended family,
I will always remember Rodney with that infectious smile which I would often watch turn into a sly smirk. Many times, I found myself wondering just what he was up to next! He always seem to have such joy in his life and he was an amazing person, who from the moment we first met, made me feel like we had known each other forever. He never failed to make me feel like I was a part of his family. My love and prayers to you all, Bren.

The Schwander Family

#40

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We are so saddened to hear of this news. Sending love and prayers. So many wonderful memories of Rodney and Hestands grocery.

Sandy Work Hudson

#39

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Butch - Our thoughts & prayers are with you and family members for the loss of Rodney. Hestands, Pine Bluff, was our favorite place to shop for meat to grill and shopped @ Hestands in LR. Pleasant memories are what guide us through these times.

Star Boeving Geoghegan

#38

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I am just in shock as I am sure many that knew Rodney. My condolences to Rodney's family. I knew Rodney from high school. Rodney may you sleep in the arms of angels.

Jacque Ptak

#37

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Debbie and boys,

I will always have find memories of Rodney and Hestand's. As a working mom, Hestand's help me put a home cook meal on my table several times a week. There were many times Rodney had my bag waiting for me in his arms wih a big smile at the curb and just toss it in the seat as I barely slowed down. I would put the meal in my serving dishes and my guys would enjoy the love of a home cooked meal even if I had a little help.

Jill Parker

#36

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

So sorry to hear about Rodney. What a wonderful, kind, friendly, genuine person. Always a smile, a laugh and a kind word. He will be missed.

Scott and Susan Sullivan

#35

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Debbie,
We were so sorry to hear about Rodney. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We will always remember walking across the street from the barber shop to go to the grocery store. Always enjoyed visiting with you and Rodney at the store.

Ronny Stone

#34

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We were so very sorry to hear about Rodney. Our families were very close and we had the privilege of growing up with and knowing Rodney. He was an extremely awesome and good person/friend. It's with saddened and heavy hearts that we send our thoughts and prayers to the family. The Pine Bluff Stone's ... Larry, Jan & Ronny Stone.

Francis Donald

#33

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Debbie I was so sorry to see where Rodney died. I remember his constant smile and sweet personality especially from the long ago Heights cleaners days. He will be missed by many. You and your boys are in my prayers. He was a special man. Francis

Will & Ann Cottrell

#32

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Debbie, we are sad to hear about Rodney. We have fond, happy memories of him. You, Jordan and Clayton will be in our prayers.

Rosemary Hughes

#31

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Debbie,Jordan, Clayton and Butch-----Rodney was so much a part of everyone's life who lived in Pine Bluff and shopped at Hestand's. After I was ill, he would always ask about my health even 15 years later. Little did I know that I should have been asking him about his health. His legacy will live on forever. Hestand's was a Pine Bluff legend and he was the one who made it that. Prayers for all of you during this sad time.

Rick,Karen,Jeremy and Jason Camacho

#30

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Debbie, Jordan, and Clayton Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Rodney is a special person, and you could never have met a kinder man. We are blessed to have known him and all of you.

Tap Pace

#29

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Rodney had the ability to make you comfortable the second you met him. I'll also always remember his positive outlook. Even when he felt his worst, one would have been hard pressed to know it. To Debbie, Jordan, Clayton and family I extend my deepest condolences. Treasure your memories of the fine husband, father and brother that he was.

Sarah Lindsey Harrison

#28

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I am so devastated to hear about Rodney's passing. I had just recently thought about him multiple times and wished that there was still a place like Hestand's. He cared for me during my husband's cancer, took care of my grandmother's needs, and always offered entertainment for my kids as I (the frazzled toddler's mom) shopped. I had thought in the last few weeks about having my kids write him a card about how much they missed him, but obviously waited too long. A life lesson to not take a day for granted. Debbie, you and the boys are in all our thoughts and prayers.

Lee and Carolyn Francis

#27

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Rodney was one of the best -- a true southern gentleman and a good friend. Debbie and boys, you're in our hearts and in our prayers.

Fred Jones

#26

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

So very sad to hear of Rodney's passing. He was a kind and dear man, and will surely be missed. May God bless and comfort all of you during this time of grief. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Wanda Bateman

#25

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Debbie and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Lots of great memories of the store. Wonderful man will be missed.

Wanda Bateman

Vicki Brock

#24

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

This earth has lost its brightness by the passing of Rodney. His ever present smile, the twinkle in his eyes and his shining example of a good man gave us a beacon of light. What a special man. Rodney will be sorely missed. Prayers of comfort go out to his family.

Bubby Tucker

#23

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I was fortunate to have re-connected with Rodney here in Little Rock over the last few years. He was still an awesome person. Debbie, I hope you take some measure of comfort in the words all of his friends are saying. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Linda K. Walters Walker

#22

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Such a sweet, kind gentlemen. Gone to soon. Prayers for your family and friends.

Stuart Mackey

#21

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Great guy, we will miss him! Debbie, you and the family are in our thoughts.

Betsey, Joe, Sarah and Katie Mowery

#20

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Debbie, I was so sad to hear of Rodney's death. He had the biggest heart and smile, but his kindness was I remember most. May you find comfort in your many happy memories. Betsey

Tom and Kelly Railsback

#19

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Our hearts cry out at the loss of Rodney. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

William Willis

#18

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I loved Rodney and will never forget him. He always struck me as being timeless in that he had all the best qualities of past, current and, I predict, future generations. They just don't come any better and I am proud to have had him as a friend.

Tommy and Lynn Holmes

#17

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We are greatly shocked and saddened to hear of Rodney's sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers for your family.

Jim, Cheryl, Tim, and Chris Driedric

#16

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Debbie, Jordan, and Clayton--we are so saddened at the loss of a truly great man. Our prayers are for you guys in this time of sorrow, and we hope that there will be at least some small comfort in knowing Rodney is enjoying eternity pain free. Rodney's "southern hospitality" was like the wake of a large ship at sea, having such an impact on all that crossed his path. We were blessed to have known him and have been counted as friends. The phrase that "our loss is heaven's gain" has never been more true. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sam Braswell

#15

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My deepest sympathy... Rodney always had a positive attitude. The world needs more like him.

Marianne Jones

#14

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Prayers of peace and comfort for all Rodney's friends and loved ones. A nicer guy couldn't be found!

Susan Hutchison Giron

#13

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I was truly saddened to hear of Rodney's passing.

Brenda Reed Meeks

#12

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Rodney and I were together from 1st grade through high school---and then later in life our boys played baseball together at Junior Deputy. Russ and I are so sorry for your loss.

Clarence Trice

#11

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I was so sorry to learn of Rodney's untimely passing. I fondly recall all the times we discussed baseball events, or perhaps the perfect cut of meat for a party we were hosting. He never met a stranger and was a treasured friend of all who knew him. He will be missed by many.

Dick and Karen Deviney

#10

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Debbie and Butch and Family,

We were so sorry to hear about Rodney. He was such a wonderful man and we have many fond memories of our time in Pine Bluff. You all will be in our prayers. Dick and Karen

Charlie Atkins

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Debbie, Clayton, and Jordan
Wanted to let you know how sorry i was to hear about Rodney. Memories are gifts from God that death can not take away, Cherish all of them. Rodney was a fine man and will be missed.

Grace Hoffman

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Debbie and boys, I offer my heartfelt sympathy to each of you. Bob and I loved Rodney as did my girls and so many others. I will never forget our days in PB which most often included a trip by Hestands and a warm welcome from you and Rodney. He was loved by so many.

Ava Slater Bulloch

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Georgia and Robert Sloan

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Debbie, Jordan, Clayton and Butch, we are so sorry to hear of Rodney's passing. I cherish many memories growing up with my "favorite cousin". Very grateful that we were able to get together last August during our trip to Little Rock. He spoke of Jordan and Clayton and was so proud of them. Rodney always had a smile and a loving personality and will be missed. Love, Georgia and Robert

Georganne & Gee Scruggs

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Susan Martin

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Debbie, Jordan & Clayton- Ken and I are so sorry to hear of Rodney's death. We have so many fond memories of growing up together in Pine Bluff. We are praying for your comfort in this sad time of loss.

Sammye and John Owen

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.

Mark Murphy

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Butch and family, please accept my deepest sympathies and sincere condolences. Rodney was a good man. --Mark Murphy

Ronnie N. Jones

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Good speed old friend. I'll never forget you and the good times we had. Ronnie