Biography: Richard Anthony “Dick” Torti, 78 of Little Rock, AR, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 22, 2022.  Dick is survived by his wife, Bette Bell Torti and five children, Rick DeWese (Holly), Richard Torti, Jr, Randy DeWese (Kendra), Elizabeth “Betsy” Tilley (Nate), Amy Torti, and his grandchildren – Alexis DeWese, Samantha Torti, Izzy Torti, Abby Torti, Ainsley DeWese, Ace DeWese, Jackson Tilley and Oakley Tilley. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Natalie Bell Shy, Allison Bell, Charlie Torti, Teresa Torti, Peter Torti, and Timmy Torti.
 
Dick had a hard knocks upbringing in the Frazier neighborhood of Memphis TN where he dominated the sand lot, ran the streets with Elvis Presley and built the tough skin that would serve him well as time went on. 

He began his All Memphis football career with his coach telling him that they didn’t have a uniform small enough to fit him. Dick took the field anyway and after an entire practice of not being tackled once, the coach somehow found a jersey that fit.  He went on to garner several accolades and nick names playing football for Christian Brothers High School. A local columnist named him “The Half-Pint Swifty” after witnessing his slippery cuts and bursts of speed and likewise his teammates dubbed him “Dupe-de-do”.
 
After graduating from CBHS, Dick continued his education in business, ultimately earning a master’s degree in Finance from Memphis State University.  He started a family and a career in banking around the same time.  After learning the bond business at Union Planters Bank in Memphis, he moved his family to Little Rock and continued to have a successful career at Stephens Inc.  From Stephens, his career continued to soar in Little Rock, Texas, Missouri, and California.  When he retired from banking in 2000, he took a job with the State of Arkansas as a financial examiner.  This allowed him to spend more time enjoying his children and grandchildren. 
 
He retired from work for good in 2013, but he never retired from helping his family and friends.  Anyone who knew him knew that he loved to help and counsel people.  He will be missed, not only by his family, but also by everyone who was fortunate enough to call him a friend. 

A visitation will be held on Thursday June 30, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W. Markham St. Little Rock, AR.  In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children's Hospital.