Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas entered a period of mourning this week following the passing of longtime lawmaker Gary Stubblefield, whose death on September 2, 2025, closed a chapter of public service that stretched across decades. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued a proclamation directing that both the United States and Arkansas state flags be flown at half-staff beginning September 3, lasting until the day of Stubblefield’s burial. The order reflects the deep respect held for a man remembered not only as a legislator, but as a neighbor, farmer, and advocate for the people of his home state.
A Life Shaped by Small-Town Roots
Gary Stubblefield’s story began in the rural community of Branch, Arkansas, where he was born on February 28, 1951. He grew up in a part of the state where hard work and tight-knit community ties shaped daily life. Graduating from County Line High School, Stubblefield’s path already reflected determination. Though his school lacked a football program, he managed to walk on to the University of Arkansas football team, earning a spot with the Razorbacks and proving himself on the field. After college, he returned home, not to seek spotlight or city life, but to raise dairy cows and build a family rooted in the soil of Franklin County.
Early Steps into Public Service
Stubblefield’s first taste of public life came not in the Capitol but at the local level. In 1976, he joined the Franklin County Quorum Court, where he served for a year, and later dedicated six years to the County Line School District Board. These early roles allowed him to learn the rhythms of local governance while staying connected to his community’s daily struggles and aspirations. That blend of local involvement and practical experience paved the way for his entry into statewide politics.
A Career in the Legislature
In 2010, voters elected Stubblefield to represent the 67th District in the Arkansas House of Representatives. Two years later, he moved into the Arkansas Senate, where he would serve for more than a decade representing the 26th District. Over his years in office, he held positions on several influential committees. He chaired the Senate City, County and Local Affairs Committee and contributed as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Joint Energy Committee, the Senate Efficiency Committee, the Joint Budget Committee, and the Legislative Council.
During his legislative career, Stubblefield became known for his deeply held convictions. He championed causes tied to his personal values and his farming background. He was recognized as a staunch protector of the unborn, a fierce supporter of Arkansas’ farmers, and a consistent advocate for lower taxes and reduced regulation. His voice often carried the weight of rural Arkansas, a perspective he never abandoned even as he navigated the complexity of statewide politics.
Governor’s Tribute
Governor Sanders spoke with solemnity in her official order, underscoring the importance of honoring Stubblefield’s contributions.
“NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Arkansas, in tribute to the memory of Gary Stubblefield, and as an expression of public sorrow, do hereby direct that the United States flag and the state flag of Arkansas be flown at half-staff from sunrise September 3, 2025, to sunset on the day of Stubblefield’s interment,” the proclamation reads.
The governor added, “IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 2nd day of September, in the year of our Lord 2025.”
Remembered as a Servant of the People
Beyond the legislative titles and committee assignments, those who knew Stubblefield recall a man committed to service. His colleagues in the Senate often described him as principled, persistent, and deeply loyal to the people he represented. Friends and family remember him as devoted and grounded, someone who cherished both the land he farmed and the state he served.
“WHEREAS: Stubblefield loved the Natural State and was committed to bettering the lives of Arkansans through public service. It is fitting and right for Arkansas to honor him and his years of service to her people,” the proclamation notes.
A State in Mourning
The lowering of flags across Arkansas symbolizes more than a ceremonial gesture; it is a collective act of remembrance. For communities across the 26th District and far beyond, the absence of Stubblefield will be deeply felt. His journey—from a small-town farm boy and Razorback athlete to a respected state senator—mirrors the aspirations of many Arkansans who believe in faith, family, and service.
As the state prepares to lay him to rest, his legacy remains woven into the institutions he served and the lives he touched. The half-staff flags fluttering above courthouses, schools, and public buildings will remind citizens of a man whose steady presence left a mark on Arkansas politics and community life for nearly half a century.
