Biography: Walter Gene Howard Sr. passed away on March 17, 2025, at 81 years old. 

“Gene”  was born July 21, 1943, to Bill and Truie Howard. He had two younger brothers, Jerry and Billy, who he was exceptionally fond of throughout his life.  Gene married his high school sweetheart, Marcia Lynette Wright, on December 19, 1964.  Together for 56 years, they raised a close-knit and loving family with four treasured children, until her passing in November of 2020. 

Gene graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1961, and was recognized as an All- State defensive back on the 1960 undefeated championship football team. He then served in the Army Reserve of the National Guard while attending the University of Arkansas, and later Hendrix College.  In 1965, he  began his studies at the University of Tennessee’s College of Dentistry in Memphis, where he graduated in 1969. “Dr. Gene” started his first dental practice in 1969, at the age of twenty-six. His Little Rock and Bryant practices, Howard Family Dentistry, brought him decades of patients turned special friends, until he retired in 2015. 

Gene is survived by his two daughters: Gina Farmer (David), and Tracey Truby (Chris); two sons, Walter Howard Jr. (Jordan), and Bradley Howard (Suzanne); thirteen grandchildren: Adam Farmer, Logan Farmer, Nathan Farmer, Victor Truby, Max Truby, Zoe Truby, Tess Truby, Jacob Howard, Tatum Howard, Jack Pierce, Linley Pierce, Wright Howard, and Wilkes Howard.  

Walter Gene Howard Sr. was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. His life is remembered with deep gratitude, and he will be greatly missed. 

Visitation will be Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home. A service honoring Gene’s life will be held on Friday, April 4th, at 1:30 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 West Markham Street, Little Rock, 72205. The family has requested that any donations in his honor be sent to UAMS, who took such good care of him in his last few days of life. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com