Gary Dennis Bittle, 65, born November 12, 1960 in Heber Springs, AR, peacefully left this world on May 9, 2026 after an extended battle with cancer.

Gary was a 1979 graduate of Heber Springs High School. After graduating from University of Central Arkansas in 1984, he moved to Tulsa to get his pilots license which he had wanted to do since he was four years old.  He was also a Certified Flight Instructor and loved to teach.  When he wasn’t at work, you could find him at the Searcy airport, visiting, instructing, helping someone with their plane or giving unsolicited advice!  He loved to fly both as his career and for fun - even if it was just to go get a burger in a different city or a Saturday morning fly in breakfast.  One of greatest joys was his Thursday night cookouts at his hangar. Gary loved being outside, driving his red convertible, going to the beach, being with friends, finding new restaurants and trying new foods.  He loved to travel.  

Gary is preceded in death by his father, Billy Ray Bittle.

Left to remember him are his wife, Susan of 18 years and their daughter, Megan Yoder, of Searcy;  his mother, Eloise Bittle of Heber Springs; his sister, Gail Rose (Roger) of Heber Springs; his nephews, Derek Woodson (Carly) and Matt Woodson (Kaylynn); niece, Bailey Dearmond (Phillip); two great nephews; 2 great nieces; and Susan’s family who loved him dearly.  Gary was a good friend and never forgot anyone’s name! 

Special thanks to the entire staff at UAMS Cancer Institute and UAMS Floor H who cared for Gary through his entire cancer journey. The family would like to specifically thank Dr Gentille, Dr Varma, and Rhonda Evans, APRN- whose attention to detail in the care for not only Gary, but also Susan, during the last 3 ½ years has not gone unnoticed. Rhonda is truly cherished by our family. Additional thanks to Casey McLeod at Medical Center Pharmacy who always went above and beyond for all of Gary’s needs.

Gary marched to his own beat and was known for Hawaiian shirts. With this being said, we’d love to honor that by asking those attending his memorial to wear bright/floral colors- or even a Hawaiian shirt.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Home for Healing, 4300 West Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205, where Gary and Susan lived for 3 months while he was recovering from his stem cell transplant in 2023.  

A Visitation will be held 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Friday, May 15, 2026 at Heber Springs Funeral Home followed by a Graveside Service at Cleburne County Memorial Gardens Pavilion. Officiants are Jay Cupit, Steve Sawrie, and Jeff Thomas. Pallbearers are Eddie Lacy, Derek Woodson, Tracy Orpin, David Winberry, Jared Moise, and Roger Pearson. Honorary Pallbearers are Caleb Sawrie, Jon Raney, Jay Bruce, and Matt Woodson.