Dr. Dennis Leo Wingfield, 73, of North Little Rock, AR went home to be with his Lord and Savior on June 26, 2023, after a courageous two year battle with pancreatic cancer. Dennis was born on March 11, 1950 to Leo and Thelma Wingfield in Prescott, AR. Dennis graduated from NLRHS in 1968 where he played football, was a member of the student council, and attended Boys State. He earned his bachelor’s degree in pre-med at Hendrix College in Conway, AR. While there, he was a member of the Blue Key National Leadership Fraternity, Who’s Who among students in American Universities and Colleges, and president of his senior class of 1972. Dennis attended medical school at UAMS and was awarded the Lange Book Award as a Freshman and was a member of the Alpha Omega Honor Society. After graduation, Dennis completed a year of general surgery fellowship followed by a four year ophthalmology residency. He began his private practice of ophthalmology in his home town of NLR in 1981 until his retirement in 2019. His love and profound compassion was reflected through countless hours of dedication to the needs of his patients. Dennis also devoted his personal time to serving his local community. In 1995, he was honored as “Man of the Year” by the NLR Boys Club for donating his time doing physicals and free eye exams for the organization he participated in and cherished growing up.
While attending Hendrix College, Dennis met the love of his life, Judy Midkiff. They dated for 5 years before getting married on June 21, 1975. Dennis and Judy were an inseparable team working together in his office practice for 38 years.
As a child, Dennis attended and was baptized at Baring Cross Baptist Church. He and Judy became members of Central Baptist Church in NLR in 1981. He was a devout follower of Jesus Christ, dedicating much time to reading and prayer.
Dennis is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Judy, and their three children Kevin (Kate) of Dewitt, AR, Austin (Anna) Wingfield of Maumelle, AR and Laura (Phillip) Garrett of Hampton, AR. His sister, Jenny Stanfield; nephew Luke Stanfield and niece Elizabeth (Sean) Davies; and great nieces, Jordyn Stanfield and Elliott Davies; friends Jim and Rhonda Carroll and countless others; as well as family and patients who have loved, encouraged, prayed and supported Dennis for many years.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Thelma Wingfield; his twin brother, David Wingfield; his grandparents, Luke and Mary Wingfield and Eagle and Eva McGowan and his nephew, Matt Stanfield; and many loving aunts, uncles and special cousins.
One of Dennis’ greatest titles was “Papaw” to his 7 grandchildren; Kole Wingfield, Kline Wingfield, Wyatt Garrett, Hunter Garrett, Ellie Garrett, Blayke Wingfield and Ryan Wingfield. He enjoyed spending time at their lake house at Lake Ouachita where he loved to fish and relax. Many memories were made with his grandchildren at Lambrook, Arkansas, where they hunted deer, ducks and learned many important life skills. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and each held a very special place in his heart. They, along with his children, will carry on his legacy.
When diagnosed with cancer in August of 2021, he approached each day with courage and positivity, and routinely praised the devotion and professionalism of his medical team—His family wanted to express their sincerest appreciation and kindness to Dr. Brad Jenkins, Dr. Bryan Hughes, Dr. David Bevans III, Dr. Rhonda Gentry and her wonderful staff, Dr. Chris Ross, Nurse Wendy Morgan and the CARTI oncologist teams, Dr. Jon Jones DDS, Dr. Bryan Curtner and Dr. Zaho at MD Anderson.
Visitation will be held at Central Baptist Church of North Little Rock at 10 a.m., Wednesday July 5th, 2023, followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m. Dennis will be laid to rest at Rest Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that any donations be made to Friendly Chapel Church 116 S. Pine St in North Little Rock, AR or CARTI Foundation P.O. Box 55011 Little Rock, AR 72215.
