David Thomas Shoptaw

He was born on August 18, 1980, in North Little Rock, AR, to Robert L. and Lisa C. Shoptaw.

David overcame many health and physical obstacles throughout his life – always maintaining a positive attitude and concern for others, and greeting everyone he met with a smile and “How are you doing?”.

He graduated from Hall High School in Little Rock, AR, in 2001. David enjoyed bowling in the Special Olympics, volunteering as a greeter at Baptist Hospital, and attending worship at Little Rock Church of Christ with his parents.

David loved his building blocks; watching Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, the Muppets, and Disney movies; and playing Uno, picture dominoes, or Yahtzee Jr. with family and friends. Some favorite memories he often recounted were family trips to Disney World and serving as the ring bearer in his sister’s wedding.

David touched many lives and will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. He is survived by parents Robert and Lisa Shoptaw of Little Rock, AR; brother Robert Shoptaw Jr. of Bella Vista, AR; sister Carol Anne Braswell (Matthew) of Lowell, AR; aunt Annette Cline of Dardanelle, AR; uncles Stephen Goodwin (Sandra) of Jackson, TN, and David Goodwin of Bellevue, WA; six nieces and nephews; and a host of loving cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by grandparents Hersel Shoptaw, Margaret Shoptaw Gateley, and Chester and Imogene “Jean” Goodwin.

The family would like to thank Dr. Joseph Beck, David’s oncologist; Hallie Rich, RN, Hospice Home Care; David’s very special Aunt Ann; and David’s compassionate caregivers over the last 21 years including Barbara Williams, Yolanda Wilks, Marcus Marks, Evie Lollar, and the many UCA Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students that formed lasting friendships with him.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, August 28, 2022, at Pinecrest Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 7401 Hwy 5 N., Alexander, AR. Funeral Services will be Monday, August 29, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel with Minister Dennis Carrow officiating. Private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Baptist Health Foundation, Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute, 9601 Baptist Health Drive, Little Rock, AR, 72205; or Special Olympics Arkansas, 2115 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114 (specialolympicsarkansas.org).

Pallbearers will be Robert Shoptaw Jr., Matthew Braswell, Tyler Braswell, David Goodwin, Marcus Marks, and Glen Braswell.

Honorary pallbearers are Blake Smith, Gary Hagar, Allyn West, Jeffrey Howard, William Cupit, and Broderick Williams.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pinecrestfh.com for the Shoptaw family.