Michael James Ptak
Jul 28th, 1960 - Jan 24th, 2020- Birth Date: Jul 28, 1960
- Death Date: Jan 24, 2020
- Funeral Date: Jan 31, 2020 at 11:00 am
- Location: Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church
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Biography: Michael James Ptak died Friday, January 24, 2020. He was born to Wilburn and Doris Ann Ptak in Shreveport, Louisiana on July 28, 1960. At the age of two, his family moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas, which Michael always considered to be his hometown. He attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he got a degree in Business studying banking, finance and accounting. At the University, he joined Sigma Nu Fraternity and was elected to the office of President (Commander) twice. While at Fayetteville he met Jacque Hill, from Russellville, the love of his life. Upon graduating, the two moved to Little Rock and were married December 8, 1984. They recently celebrated 35 years of marriage together.
Michael worked in banking for a few years upon graduating from college. Upon the encouragement of a fraternity brother, he attended law school at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Law. Upon graduating in 1993, he began practicing law at Lax, Vaughn, Pender and Evans. He then opened his own practice of Pender, McCastlain & Ptak. After a time, he was offered an opportunity to join The Rose Law Firm, where he primarily practiced banking law. Each one of these opportunities were rewarding and nourished lifelong friendships, which he cherished. In 2008, he join Bank OZK as General Counsel. There he was able to practice his two favorite disciplines…Banking and Law. This came to him naturally, he followed in his family’s footsteps as his father was a banker and his paternal grandfather, and The Honorable V. James Ptak was a lawyer and judge.
Michael was a devoted father to his only son, Michael Shinn Ptak. There was never a business meeting that did not come to a halt if Shinn called. Shinn was the top priority, always. They had a close relationship and made each other laugh all the time. They shared the love of sports and the Razorbacks.
Michael held board seats on several nonprofit organizations over the years, but he had a soft spot in his heart for Access School. He was president for several years in the early 2000’s. When the tragedy of 911 struck the country, Michael walked away from work, grabbed his young son, and then stayed at Access until the last child was picked up at the end of the day. The founders of the school said they always knew everything was going to be okay when they saw that trench coat come down the hall. He was a 40 year member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church and The Tower Class Sunday School.
Michael is survived by his wife, Jacque Hill-Ptak; his son Michael Shinn Ptak; his goddaughter, Hannah Christeson; and his step mother, Kathy Colasacco of Springdale.
Visitaion will be held Thursday, January 30, 2020 from 4 to 6 pm at Ruebel Funeral Home. A funeral service will be Friday, January 31, 2020 at 11 am in Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church followed by a reception. Burial will be the next day at Oakland Cemetery in Russellville, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to: Access Schools, 1500 N Mississippi St., Little Rock, AR 72207 https://accessgroupinc.org/donate/ or Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church Foundation, 4823 Woodlawn, Little Rock, AR 72205. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com
Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brian GU 1746
Susie
Jo
Just now learning of our loss. Wow! I'm so sorry. Mike was one of our very finest. Did anyone else get elected Commander twice? Not in my recollection.
God bless you and your son, Michael. And thank you for being our greatest supporter all these years. Mike and your family are in my prayers
Yours truly,
Steve