Louis Massanelli Jr.

Louis was born at home in Jefferson County, Arkansas, on November 25, 1941. He was delivered by his grandmother and was the son of Louis and Katherine Massanelli. He graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1960 and proudly served his country in the 489th Combat Engineer Battalion Headquarters in Pine Bluff. His military service included two years of active duty at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Fort Benning, Georgia. He was honorably discharged in 1966.

On August 22, 1963, Louis married the love of his life, Carolyn Wise Massanelli. Together they shared nearly 63 years of marriage. He is survived by his devoted wife, Carolyn; his son, Dr. Gregg Massanelli of El Dorado; his daughter, Melissa Massanelli Beeker; three grandchildren, Trevor Massanelli (Paige), Lauren Massanelli Hatcher (Tyler), and Madison Beeker; and three great-grandchildren, Blakely Massanelli, Harper Sinclair, and Avery Hatcher. He is also survived by his sister, Diana Stephens (Jody) of Memphis, his niece, Angela Russell, and his beloved cat, Baby.

In March 1970, Louis relocated to Hot Springs to manage White Office Equipment. In 1971, alongside Albert Daniels, Raymond Hall, and Jim Gladden, he helped establish Hall Business Machines. Later, he purchased Davis and Cox at 317 Third Street, a business that remains in operation today. After acquiring his partners’ interests, he renamed the company Business Center of Hot Springs. In 1996, the Sumner Group acquired the business, which was merged into Datamax of Arkansas.

Louis and Carolyn were faithful members of Grace Church, located at 307 Carpenter Dam Road. Louis had a deep love for Hot Springs and was especially passionate about supporting the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors from 2007 to 2010, sponsored a local talk show on Channel 5 representing the Chamber, and served as Captain of the Chamber Ambassadors. In 2010, he was honored as Ambassador of the Year. He rarely missed a ribbon cutting or groundbreaking ceremony and took great pride in recruiting new businesses to the community. Nominated for Man of the Year three times, Louis proudly wore his signature red Chamber coat.

His commitment to service extended throughout every aspect of his life. Louis was a Life Member of the Lions Club, maintaining perfect attendance for 36 years. He received the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award from Lions Clubs International and served as Past President of the Downtown Lions Club. He also served on the Arkansas Board of Directors for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for eight years, chaired the Architectural Control Committee at Driftwood Point for more than a decade, sponsored the Miss Arkansas Pageant for 16 years, and played a key role in helping develop Hot Springs Technology Institute in 1994, an institution that continues to serve the community today. Louis was a founding member of the Hot Springs Executive Association, which still serves Hot Springs today.

Louis lived his life guided by a simple principle: to love and respect others. In return, he was deeply loved by all who knew him. His kindness, generosity, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his family, church, and community will be remembered for generations.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Gross Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Church, 307 Carpenter Dam Road, Hot Springs.

The family extends special thanks to Arkansas Hospice, Hospice Home Care, CHI St. Vincent Hospice on the second floor, their dear friend Lee Wheelington, their church family, and Lamar Trieschmann for their care, support, and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Louis’s honor to Grace Church, Paws & Claws Animal Shelter, or the Arkansas Alzheimer's Association.