David James Manley, 72, of Little Rock died at home from complications of amyloidosis, Friday, March 20, 2020. He was born July 27, 1947 in Neosho, Missouri to James (Jim) and Jo Davis Manley. The family moved to Paris, Arkansas when he was in the 5th grade.
In 1965, David graduated from Paris High School, where he loved to play sports. He attended Westark College before joining the US Air Force and being trained as a radio operator, with posts in Vietnam and Thailand. In 1969 he was selected as a radio operator for Air Force One at Andrews AFB, MD and was privileged to personally meet the Apollo 11 astronauts during that time. After his honorable discharge he returned home, got married and completed his education at the University of Arkansas, earning a Juris Doctorate in 1978.
David first practiced law in Texarkana, Texas at East Texas Legal Services. In 1982 David and Myrnell moved to Little Rock where David joined the staff of Legal Services of Arkansas, initially as Managing Attorney, later as Director of Litigation and finally as Executive Director of Arkansas Legal Services Support Center.
David had a passion for justice and was proud of the work he did on behalf of low-income persons in Texas and Arkansas. He was licensed and litigated in several U.S. District Courts, the Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. He was active in the Arkansas Bar Association (ABA), serving on two special committees of the Arkansas Supreme Court.
In 1997, David became an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) with the Social Security Administration Hearing and Appeals Office in California. He returned to Arkansas two years later to serve as Chief Judge in the Little Rock office and he remained an ALJ until he retired in August, 2017.
David and Myrnell cherished family gatherings with their children and grandchildren, and especially those that involved travel. They have many fond memories of trips to Disney World, National parks, Florida beaches, and most recently Tuscany, Italy. David and Myrnell have traveled to 45+ countries, several more than once. Even David’s amyloidosis diagnosis (which involved monthly trips to the Mayo Clinic) did not stop them from continuing their travel and truly enjoying their retirement.
David is predeceased by his parents and brother Steven Manley.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Myrnell Ferguson Manley, son Ryan (Kim) of Berkeley, California and Little Rock, and daughter Marlo Parker (Jordan) of Little Rock. His three grandchildren, Henry and Daisy Parker and Elliot David Manley, were the absolute light of his life. He is also survived by his brother Gordon Manley (Amy) of Ft. Smith, three nieces and their children, and many cousins.
David’s family, friends and colleagues remember him as a gentleman with a good heart and a fierce advocate of justice. He was compassionate, energetic, tough, wicked smart, funny, honest to the core, loyal, helpful, and genuine.
A memorial service for David will be on Saturday July 18th at 1:30pm. at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home at 5800 W. 12th Street Little Rock, AR. 72204.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests making donations to: Legal Aid of Arkansas (https://www.arlegalservices.org/donate), Women and Children First Battered Women’s Shelter (www.wcfarkansas.org/donate) or Arkansas Foodbank (www.arkansasfoodbank.org/how-can-i-help-2/donate/).
Due to the COVID-19 situation, the Governor of Arkansas has issued directives that face coverings must be worn and social distancing be observed; indoor events at Griffin Leggett Healy & Roth are limited to 50 in attendance due to the directive until further notice.
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