David Sayre Bard

David Sayre Bard, 90, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, at age 90, surrounded by family. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, on May 31, 1935. David's life was defined by service, generosity, and faith in God and the goodness of people. He is now in his Heavenly Home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Married to his cherished wife, Faye, for 44 years, David built a family legacy defined by love, faith, and laughter. He is survived by Faye; his children Kathryn Bard (Gabe), Paul Bard (Kathy), John Bard, and Sarah Sullivan (Mark); his stepchildren, Ted Bearden (Sandra) and Dana Bearden; 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored. He was predeceased by his father, Rudolph; his mother, Evelyn; his stepfather, Bill Parker; his brother, Rudy Jr.; and his daughter-in-law, Sara.

A gifted athlete and scholar, David’s early years were marked by both athletic and academic excellence. His intellectual and compassionate nature led him to pursue medicine, training at some of the nation’s most esteemed institutions: Columbia University, Harvard, the National Cancer Institute, and MD Anderson Cancer Center. He performed research as a member of the Public Health Service in Bethesda, Maryland, taught at the University of Florida, and later served as a respected professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where he inspired generations of students and colleagues with his compassion, intellect, and unwavering commitment to patient care. He published numerous research papers, was a long-time member of the Felix Rutledge Society and the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, and maintained his lifelong dedication to medicine by continuing to read medical journals years after retirement.

David’s talents extended far beyond medicine. Before entering the world of healthcare, he was a gifted athlete, playing baseball at the University of Alabama and later pitching in the New York Yankees farm system - a testament to his tenacity and love for competition. That passion endured throughout his life, as he remained a devoted fan of all Arkansas Razorbacks teams. His other interests, from gardening and bird watching to golf and fishing, reflected his curiosity and zest for life. He was an avid adventurer and loved traveling the world with Faye. Their 34 trips to the Caribbean made Nevis feel like a second home.

In retirement, David remained as active and generous as ever. Whether building houses with Habitat for Humanity, building a Tea House at Wildwood Park for the Arts, providing medical care at Shepherd’s Hope, mentoring those facing personal challenges, or simply lending a sympathetic ear, David never stopped giving. He enjoyed conversation and made friends wherever he went. He was a member of Fellowship Bible Church of Little Rock, and lived each day with gratitude and a servant’s heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 20, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Fellowship Bible Church (1401 Kirk Road, Little Rock), where family and friends will gather to honor a man whose life was as rich in love as it was in accomplishment. David was a pillar of strength for many. To the end, he was teaching, laughing, and loving those he held dear.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Easterseals Arkansas (eastersealsar.com) or the MD Anderson Cancer Center (mdanderson.org).