Arkansas Hospice is one of those places where you get the opportunity to meet some truly special people. The following are two very important individuals who really made a difference to our organization and will be greatly missed:

Wayman Ballard

“Those who give have all things … It is more blessed to give than receive.” These are words of wisdom most of us have been taught since childhood. To many, they are phrases that describe Wayman Ballard, Arkansas Hospice’s Volunteer of the Year for 2005. Wayman, as he insisted on being called, will be remembered by our staff as a very kind and gentle man.

He was a generous person who shied away from any recognition given to him.

Wayman came to the Little Rock Center every week and brought flowers to our patients. He and his wife of 63 years, Rosalynn, were members of the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, and every Monday, the flowers that had been on the altar for the Sunday service would be taken down and made into striking bouquets for Arkansas Hospice patients. Wayman would come around the corner with a wheelchair full of arrangements, then would politely check in at the nursing station and ask who could benefit from a bouquet. He truly touched the lives of those he visited. He had such generosity of spirit and tenderness that he quickly became a favorite of our staff, patients and their families.

Sam Landrum

Sam Landrum was a quiet, soft spoken individual with a wonderful sense of humor.
He worked tirelessly, refused any praise for what he did and always said there were others that deserved way more credit than he. He was a devoted Arkansas Hospice volunteer who heard the call and answered.

“There’s nothing special about me,” said Sam. “I’m just a plain, ordinary person. The people who work at Arkansas Hospice, those are the ones who deserve all the praise and recognition.”

“I have long been aware of how much my Sam valued not only your work at hospice, but also your friendship,” said his wife, Carolyn. “Everyone who knew Sam can fully understand what a dear and humble man he was.”