Wylie Wayne Workman

Wylie Wayne Workman, 98, of Springdale died peacefully at his home on Feb. 20, 2020, where he had been cared for by family and Circle of Life Hospice Caregivers. Dr. Wayne Workman was born Nov. 3, 1921, in Vesta, Ark., to the late Trixie and Eugene Workman. 

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, of 52 years, Betty Bush Workman, who was with him at their home when he passed. Wayne is also survived by his children, Sudie (Walt) Henderson, Wylie Workman, Brad (Kathy) Workman, David Workman, Dane (Michelle) Workman and Drew Workman; his siblings, Wilda Looney, Wayma Rowe, Mary and Ralph Scott. He was an adoring granddaddy to eight grandchildren, Zack Henderson, Holly Hall, Linzay Feilke, Walker Workman, Jolyn Brock, Mary Biton, Ethan and Brett Workman, and five great-grandchildren.

Wayne was preceded in death by his brothers, Wendell (Reba) Workman, Gene (Margaret) Workman, Glen Looney and Pancho Rowe.

Wayne proudly served as a naval officer in the Pacific during World War II. Following the war, he returned to Arkansas to attend the College of the Ozarks and the University of Arkansas for the Medical Sciences in Little Rock. From 1952 to 1988, Wayne practiced family medicine and women’s health in Blytheville. His passion for obstetric health led him to establish and sponsor a Certified Nurse Midwife Program for Mississippi County, which served the county for over 30 years. Dr. Workman was a Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a Fellow to the American College of Surgeons. He assisted with the creation of the first family planning clinic in Arkansas.  

Following his retirement from private practice, Wayne moved to Little Rock to continue practicing medicine, teaching surgical techniques and training faculty, students and residents at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, John C. McClellan Veterans Hospital, and Arkansas Department of Health. 

Wayne and Betty moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2007, where he volunteered to help develop and facilitate the Obstetric/Gynecology rotation and clinical schedule for UAMS – Northwest campus. Dr. Workman received numerous awards for his dedication to improving women’s health throughout Arkansas, around the United States and internationally. 

Besides Wayne’s dedication to medicine, he was active in his community. He served as a board member of the Blytheville United Methodist Church and the Blytheville school board. He was elected a lifetime member of the board of trustees for the University of the Ozarks. Wayne was instrumental in the creation of the Mississippi County Community College. 

When he wasn’t on call, teaching, or delivering babies, Wayne enjoyed gardening, playing golf, fishing and spending time with his family and a lifetime of friends. Dr. Workman was blessed with a beautiful life.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at The Hunt Chapel in Pinnacle Memorials Garden in Rogers. Burial will follow the service.

Visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m. until service time. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made as a contribution to University of the Ozarks, 415 N. College Avenue, Clarksville, AR 72830. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services. Memories may be shared at stockdale-moodyfs.com.