The passing of Garrett McAinsh (Little Rock, Arkansas), born in Washington, Arkansas leaves a void in the hearts of many, as we bid farewell to a loving soul who departed on January 20, 2025 at the age of 83. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Garrett McAinsh to show support.

In the vast expanse of eternity, Garrett shall find rest, cradled in the arms of everlasting peace. And as we bid Garrett farewell, his loved ones carry with them the precious gift of his memory, a beacon of hope guiding them through the shadows of sorrow towards the light of a new dawn.

He was predeceased by: his parents, William McAinsh II and Helen McAinsh (Sudduth); and his brother William McAinsh III. He is survived by: his wife Judith McAinsh (Gentzler).

Funeral arrangement under the care of
Smith Family Funeral Homes

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February 17, 2025

Carol Kesch planted 20 trees

“In memory of Garrett McAinsh”

February 17, 2025

A candle has been lit

“Thinking of you with love at this time of loss”

January 22, 2025

Adrienne Frazier sent flowers

“Dr. McAinsh was my mentor at Hendrix and one of my favorite professors of all time. It’s somehow been more than 25 years since I last sat in his class, but I’ve always remembered his warmth and humor. He was a great teacher and wonderful person!”

January 22, 2025

A candle has been lit

“When I joined the Hendrix faculty I was assigned a faculty mentor, but I also found Garrett soon enough as my self-assigned mentor. He was always very kind, thoughtful, and an excellent role model. I deeply appreciated his friendliness, his wise advice, and his keen intelligence. I also attended his course on Modern Europe, which was excellent (the last college course I ever attended). Rest in peace, Garrett.”

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14 people wrote a message from the heart

February 1, 2025

Rod Miller wrote a sympathy message

“Garrett was not only an exceptional lecturer but also a good example of how to be a senior member of the faculty at Hendrix. Always helpful and cheerful and quick to offer explanations to new faculty of how, for example, WIT worked. I remember well Garrett's particular voice and timbre and his enthusiastic means of teaching and engaging students. Both my wife and I fondly recall being invited to his 25th anniversary party in Little Rock. And Garret was a terrific wallyball player!”

January 27, 2025

Ian T King wrote a sympathy message

“Garrett's reputation as a supremely talented lecturer spans the generations. It was so fitting that Hendrix named Mills C, where Garrett delivered so many of his memorable lectures, in honor of him. I am so glad that the plaque outside the door will still be there to remind us of all the great things that took place in that room. He was also a great friend, supportive colleague and fierce wallyball competitor! So sad I can't attend the memorial reception on Friday, but I will be there in spirit.”

January 23, 2025

Jennifer P (Jennifer P) wrote a sympathy message

“My favorite memories of Garrett were our travels with Lyle Rupert to the National Conference for Undergraduate Research with usually around 50 Hendrix students. Garrett introduced me to a love of Thai food and a "roll with the punches" while traveling attitude. Will miss him.”

January 23, 2025

Heather Hansen Lyell wrote a sympathy message

“I have so many fond memories of Dr. McAnish and he is one of the first professors that comes to my mind when I think of my time at Hendrix. I especially loved his explanation of the definition of a self-fulfilling prophecy to a classroom full of first years. He made such an impression on all of us and was a real treasure. RIP.”

January 22, 2025

Dion Smith wrote a sympathy message

“I cherish my memories and honor Dr McAnish who saw a shy young freshman and honored me with an invitation to the fabulous Sophomore readings. May his memory be a blessing to many as his is to mine.”

January 22, 2025

Norma Hargraves wrote a sympathy message

“I knew who Dr. McAinsh was at Hendrix, but I did not really get acquainted until years later at LifeQuest. We have been in Great Reads together there for about five years. What a wonderfully knowledgeable and humble man. I only wish I had taken his classes in my years as a Hendrix student, but how fortunate I feel to have gotten to know him as a fellow student at LifeQuest. I am so saddened by his passing and will hold him and his family in my heart. Norma Edmonds Hargraves”

January 22, 2025

Preston Jones wrote a sympathy message

“The only problem with Dr. McAinsh's classes is that he was such an incredible storyteller, weaving together all the strands of History, that you became so mesmerized, you would forget to take notes. -Preston Jones, History Major: Class of 1975.”

January 22, 2025

John Byrd wrote a sympathy message

“It is so sad to hear of the loss of a great professor, mentor, and person, Dr. McAinsh. I so remember his phenomenal lectures in both Medieval and Renaissance Europe where the passion in his words brought forth a love for learning. Additionally, he was very patient with learners from all backgrounds and truly was my favorite non-science professor. I wish his family my deepest sympathies and hope they will find peace in knowing how many lives outside of their own he positively influenced!”

January 22, 2025

Thomas Christie wrote a sympathy message

“I am so sorry to hear of Dr. McAinsh's passing. He was kind, thoughtful, caring, and one of my favorite professors at Hendrix. He was my Journeys professor during freshman year and he strongly shaped my early college experience. Later, I took his fantastic class on Modern European History -- a wonderful course and great preparation for a year abroad! Outside of class, he always took time to say hi and offer a kind word. I send my deepest condolences to his family. -- Thomas Christie”

January 22, 2025

Rachel Butler wrote a sympathy message

“What a wonderful professor! He brought such a love of history and instilled that in his students. He was also fearless as our Hendrix-in-London sponsor - this photo is from London in March 1991.”

January 22, 2025

Fallon Zschiegner-Bleich wrote a sympathy message

“Dr. McAinsh helped me so much during my time as his advisee. He helped me fully find my love of history, and he inspired me in so many ways. I was heartbroken to hear of his passing. I send all my love to his family, because he was truly an amazing human being.”

January 22, 2025

Martin Hyatt wrote a sympathy message

“had a British History class with Dr. McAinsh back in 1985. As soon as the doors in the back of the Mills lecture hall opened, the "story" would actually begin. An hour later after listening to all sorts of intriguing details, I would regret class coming to an end. He knew so much and was incredibly interesting. Learning was just so easy with him. I am presently in my 37th year of teaching, and I know I have always tried(but rarely attain) to reach the levels of engagement of Dr. McAinsh”

January 22, 2025

Randal Hundley wrote a sympathy message

“What a wonderful man, teacher, and mentor. I wish we could attend the gathering on January 31 to pay our respects, but we will be out of town. Randal Hundley”

January 22, 2025

Dorothy Nation wrote a sympathy message

“I am saddened to hear the passing of Dr. McAinsh. He was my mentor, my professor, and most of all, my friend during my years of study at Hendrix. He had a profound impact on me and encouraged my love of history. He will be missed, but never forgotten. Dorothy Arrington, Hendrix class of 2002”

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Jan 31

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8801 Knoedl Ct, Little Rock, AR 72205

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