Lewis E. Epley Jr., alumnus and dedicated supporter of the University of Arkansas for more than 60 years, died Wednesday, March 19, 2025. He was 88 years old.

Lewis Epley is remembered for his leadership, generosity and fortitude. His contributions to his community, healthcare, the university and the Razorback Bands have left an indelible legacy.

"Few have served the University of Arkansas with as much passion and purpose as Lewis Epley," said Chancellor Charles Robinson. "He devoted his time, shared his wisdom and gave generously because he believed deeply in our mission and in our students. While we grieve his passing, we know his legacy endures through the generations of Razorbacks who will benefit from his generosity, vision and example. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved him, and we join them in honoring a life so well lived."

MARCH ON AND KEEP GOING

Epley was born April 28, 1936, in Fort Smith to Evelyn and Lewis Epley, Sr. His family moved to Springdale soon after his birth.

Epley was diagnosed with polio during high school, rendering his left arm, hand and leg partially paralyzed. He spent the first semester of his senior year at the Arkansas Children's Convalescent Center in Jacksonville, Arkansas. He coached and encouraged younger patients in their recovery and discovered his own discipline and strength in the process.

Before his diagnosis, Epley had played the clarinet in the Springdale High School band. Upon returning to school for the second semester of his senior year, he was unable to continue playing music due to the paralysis. Epley instead became involved with the band program in other ways. He was invited to be the public announcer for a regional marching band contest. There, he met E.J. Marty, the director of the Razorback Band at the U of A. Epley had expressed interest in playing in the Razorback Band but didn't think he could because of his paralysis. The Springdale High School band director, Harry Hinckley, called Marty to explain Epley's situation. Marty met with Epley and made him the “Voice of the Razorback Band.” He would spend seven years as the public address announcer for the band.

Epley started classes at the U of A in the fall of 1954. He earned a degree in public administration from the Sam M. Walton College of Business, and his Bachelor of Laws from the School of Law in 1961. He traveled with the Razorback Band to away games and made lifelong friends with many of the band members and directors. The acceptance Epley received from the band motivated him to help the faculty and students improve the band experience at the U of A when he came into positions of success.

During his last year in law school, Epley met Donna Swopes. They married the following year and were together for over 60 years. He was the first member of the Epley family to graduate from the University of Arkansas. His brothers Alan and Charles, sister-in-law Sherry, niece Heather, nephew Stuart, and great nieces Paige, Elizabeth, and Jennifer have all followed his lead and obtained degrees from the university.

Epley received his attorney license from the Supreme Court of Arkansas in 1961 and established a law practice in Eureka Springs. He was admitted to practice before the Federal District Court and the United States Supreme Court in 1974.

In reflecting on the challenges and accomplishments in his life, Epley stressed the importance to "march on and keep going."

SERVICE ABOVE SELF

Epley had a long-standing interest in supporting his community. He served on numerous education, banking, nonprofit and corporate boards and committees and invested his time and resources in service to many causes and organizations dear to his heart. He received numerous awards and accolades in recognition of his dedication and leadership.

He became highly involved in the Eureka Springs community, serving in many leadership roles. He helped create what is now known as the Carroll-Boone Water District. In 2006, he was recognized for 35 years of service to the district by the naming of the operations building as the Lewis E. Epley Jr. Operating Center.

He was appointed Special Associate Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court and was also appointed by then-Gov. David Pryor as a founding member of the Arkansas State Building Council.

Epley remained steadfast throughout the years in his work to raise awareness and funds for polio treatment and eradication. He was an active participant of the Rotary Club, whose motto of “Service Above Self” Epley embodied well. He participated in Rotary International Polio Immunization Day in 2011, traveling to Chandigarh, India. He led polio eradication fundraising initiatives with almost every Rotary Club in Northwest Arkansas.

During his service on the U of A Medical Sciences Foundation Board and the UAMS Northwest Campus Advisory Board, Epley, helped establish a new physical therapy department on the UAMS Northwest campus in Fayetteville.

PHILANTHROPY AND SERVICE FOR THE U OF A

In 1989, Epley was appointed by then-Gov. Bill Clinton to a 10-year term on the U of A Board of Trustees. During his tenure, Epley was known to be direct and hands-on at a level that few others could match. After retiring from the board, he was named Trustee Emeritus.

He also served as board member of the University of Arkansas Foundation. He was recognized by the Foundation for 25 years of service in 2019. He was honored by receiving the Chancellor's Award from the U of A for Medical Sciences. He was a charter member to the Chancellor's Society and served the university as a member of the 2010 Commission, the Campaign Steering Committee and on the board of directors for the Arkansas Alumni Association and the Razorback Band Alumni Society. In 2000, The Walton Family Charitable Foundation established the Lewis E. Epley Jr. Professorship in Economics in the Sam M. Walton College of Business in recognition of his distinguished leadership and service on the U of A Board of Trustees.

“Lewis Epley was extraordinary in every way in supporting the University of Arkansas,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “As a former member of the Board of Trustees, a major benefactor, and a steadfast volunteer, Lewis’ engagement and impact on the university and its students, faculty and staff cannot be adequately expressed or overstated.  He was devoted to the university because he believed in its mission and the positive impact it had on the lives of students and our state. We are deeply saddened by his passing, and his legacy of leadership and generosity will be an enduring source of inspiration.”

As a Trustee, Epley advocated for the expansion and improvement of the Razorback Bands and the university's band building. He would have his fellow Trustees count the number of tubas in the opposing teams’ bands during football games; the other bands would have 24 to the Razorbacks’ 12. In recognition of his many years of support, an expanded band facility was named the Lewis E. Epley Jr. Band Hall and dedicated in 1997. On three separate occasions, the Epley name was spelled out on the football field by the Razorback Marching Band. This is a rare honor only ever afforded to Epley.

“There is no one else quite like Lewis Epley. He was a powerful force for good. As much as he always said he benefitted from being part of the Razorback Bands family, he gave us back far more,” said Christopher Knighten, U of A’s director of bands. “He turned every conceivable challenge in his life into an opportunity to better the world around him and often stressed the importance to ‘march on and keep going.’ We will proudly do so in his honor, and in the building that bears his name. He will be greatly missed but always with us.”

During his tenure on the Steering Committee, Epley and fellow committee member Julian Stewart led the drive to raise support for the Old Main Clock Fund at the conclusion of the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century. This accomplishment and the conclusion of the campaign were commemorated with a campus and community celebration. During remarks, Epley stated: "Old Main is now complete. After waiting patiently and serving proudly for 130 years, Old Main finally has her tower clock. And she looks beautiful."

“Through his phenomenal support, Lewis Epley has created a legacy that will continue to benefit every student who comes to the U of A,” said Brian E. Raines, dean of Fulbright College. “Old Main is the centerpiece of our campus, the home base of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and, for many, the symbol of higher education in Arkansas. What an honor it is to remember Lewis Epley’s service and impact when we see the tower clock or hear the bells chime. He has imprinted on the heart and soul of our institution in a way few folks are ever able to do.”

Epley and his wife, Donna, saw a need to enhance healthcare facility offerings at the U of A and made a founding gift to create a 45,000 square-foot clinic, classroom and laboratory space. The Epley Center for Health Professions houses the Speech and Hearing Clinic and the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing.

“Over the past 13 years, the Epley Center for Health Professions has been so much more than just a building. It has been the place where our nursing and speech pathology students have learned the science of care and embraced the compassion that guides them in serving their future patients. It has been a space where our faculty and students have made a lasting difference in the lives of children and families in our region,” said Kate Mamiseishvili, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions. “We are so grateful to Lewis and Donna Epley for their forethought and support of this facility. Their gift has touched not only our faculty, staff and students, but also the many people across the state and beyond who have benefited from — and will continue to benefit from — our work in the health professions.”

Lewis E. Epley Jr. was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis, Sr. and Evelyn Epley; his brother, James Epley; and his nephew, Christopher Epley.

He is survived by wife, Donna Swopes Epley; his brothers, Judge Alan Epley (Sherry) and Charles (Janet); his nieces, Heather Francis (Mark) and Jennifer Epley; his nephews, Stuart Epley (Mandy) and Curtis Epley; great-nieces, Paige and Elizabeth Francis, Liberty and Mackenzie Epley; and great-nephews, Lewis Epley III, Aro Epley, Crosby and Clark Epley. Also surviving him are his sister-in-law, Mary Epley; and his nephew Christopher's wife, Ashlee Epley.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the following: Razorback Band Scholarship, 103 Lewis E. Epley, Jr. Band Building, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701 or to the Dept. of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions UAMS Northwest Regional Campus, 1125 N. College Ave, Fayetteville, Ark. 72703.