Biography:

Michael Wayne “Mike” Dougherty, 72, of Little Rock, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Mike was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and graduated from McClellan High School in 1972.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Elizabeth McQuary Dougherty. He is survived by his parents, Woot and Shelby Dougherty; his children, Patrick Aaron Dougherty (Sarah Riley), Molly Erin Bucy, and Megan Kathleen Travis (Clayton); his granddaughters, Bradley and Parker Bucy and Annie Travis; and his brothers, Patrick Dougherty (Christy) and Andy Dougherty.

Mike was a lifelong journalist, holding nearly every position at a newspaper other than press foreman while working at papers across Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, and Oklahoma throughout his career. He was beloved by many as a weekly columnist in the communities where he lived and worked.

Mike loved writing, sports, and music, particularly rock ‘n’ roll and the blues. He was a die-hard fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, the Arkansas Razorbacks, and Everton Football Club. He will be missed more than he could know.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Pine Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, followed by a final toast at Dugan’s Pub.

In lieu of flowers, his children request that donations be made in his honor to the American Civil Liberties Union.