Virgil Poindexter Fiser

Virgil Poindexter Fiser, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, public servant, and respected community leader, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on June 18, 2026, at the age of 96. Born on February 20, 1930, in Warren, Arkansas, to Headly Poindexter Fiser and Edith McMillian Fiser, Virgil lived a life defined by integrity, service, faith, and an unwavering commitment to the people and places he loved. A 1948 graduate of Little Rock High School, Virgil continued his education at Little Rock Junior College and the University of Arkansas before answering the call to serve his country in the United States Air Force. After four years of military service, he returned to Fayetteville and earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Virgil dedicated 26 years to the Carnation Company, where his career took him and his family across the country—from Tennessee to Michigan, South Carolina, Missouri, and ultimately back to Arkansas. Along the way, he earned the respect of colleagues and neighbors alike through his tireless work ethic and thoughtful leadership. His greatest chapter of public service began in Elaine, Arkansas, where he served as mayor for 22 years. Beyond his mayoral leadership, he was active with the Kiwanis Club, local chambers of commerce, and numerous civic boards, earning recognition as Phillips County Citizen of the Year in 2007. The dedication of a park in his honor reflected the lasting mark he left on the community he faithfully served. A proud Arkansas Razorbacks supporter, Virgil found special joy watching his grandson, Jason, play football for the University of Arkansas. He was equally passionate about genealogy and family history, tracing his lineage through generations with curiosity and pride. Together, Virgil and Mary Louise also demonstrated extraordinary generosity as Double Helix members of UAMS, supporting medical research and future generations. Throughout his life, faith remained a guiding force. He was an active church member wherever he lived and, after moving to Bentonville to be closer to family, became a member of the local Presbyterian church. Virgil was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Louise Demoret Fiser; his sister, Edith Foster; and his brother, Robert H. Fiser. He is lovingly survived by his daughters, Kathy Irene Grimes of Bentonville, Arkansas, and Cheryl Morrison; his granddaughter, Ashley Kay Grimes of Rogers, Arkansas; his grandsons, Jason Fiser Grimes and his wife, Amy, of Bentonville, and Wesley Morrison; his treasured great-grandchildren, Aiden Fiser Grimes, Landon Huck Grimes, and Charlotte Kathryn Grimes; and countless extended family members and friends who will continue to cherish his memory and carry forward his legacy. Though honored for many achievements—including civic leadership, Masonic service, and historical lineage societies—Virgil will be remembered most for his humility, steadfast character, devotion to family, and his sincere desire to leave every community better than he found it. His legacy lives on in the generations he inspired and the values he quietly embodied every day. Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 27, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Harris Funeral Home, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will immediately follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Morrilton, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to support Arkansas Children’s Northwest Hospital. Please check back for an updated obituary that will be added soon.

Virgil Poindexter Fiser

February 20, 1930 - June 18, 2026