Gordon Greenfield Wittenberg

GORDON GREENFIELD WITTENBERG, age 98, died on January 8, 2020. Born in Little Rock, Ark., on August 12, 1921, he was the son of George Hyde and Minnie Greenfield Wittenberg. He attended Little Rock public schools, the University of Arkansas, and the University of Illinois, graduating with a degree in architecture. In college, he was a member of the 130th Gargoyle Society and Scarab fraternity, honorary student architectural societies. He also served as President of his Sigma Chi fraternity. During World War II he served as a commissioned officer in the Army Air Corps. He married his college sweetheart Anna Mary Wilkins of Harrisonburg, Va. They had two sons: Gordon G. Wittenberg, Jr. and Raymond M. Wittenberg. He was active in his profession and served as President of the Arkansas chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the Arkansas State Board of Architects and the Southern Conference of Architectural Registration Boards. He was honored for his contributions to the profession of architecture by receiving the Gold Medal of the Arkansas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the John Williams Fellowship by the University of Arkansas School of Architecture, and was named a Fellow of the National American Institute of Architecture. His civic activities included President of the Arkansas Arts Center and trustee of the Endowment Trust, Director of First Commercial Bank, Board member of the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, the Little Rock Country Club, the Little Rock Club, the United Way, and the National Conference of Christians and Jews. He is listed in Who's Who in America. He was a life-long member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. In 2014, he co-authored with architect Charles Witsell the book Architects of Little Rock 1833-1950. Over two generations his architectural firm Wittenberg, Delony and Davidson won many awards and was featured in numerous architectural magazines. The firm served as sole architect or associated architect on many landmark buildings in Little Rock including Little Rock Central High School, Robinson Auditorium, Little Rock Hotel and Convention Center, Regions Bank and the Stephens office buildings. The firm also designed many projects throughout the state of Arkansas, including schools, hospitals and college and university buildings. He loved the outdoors--fishing at Lake Ouachita, duck hunting at the Pin Oak duck club, and 75 years of playing golf at the Little Rock Country Club. He had a full and active life and his main passion was his love of his family and friends. Time with them was always special. After the death of Anna Mary, his wife of 50 years, he was married to Betty Townsend Rowland. They enjoyed family gatherings and traveling together until her death in 2004. Survivors include: sons Gordon G. Wittenberg, Jr. (Carita Simons) and Raymond M. Wittenberg (Frances McSwain); grandchildren Evans Wittenberg (Lauren) and Anna Wittenberg; step children Lisa Rowland, Samuel (Ski) Rowland lll, and Wallace Townsend Rowland; nephews George Wittenberg lll, Tom Wittenberg, and Bill Lambright; niece Nancy Lambright Smith; step grandchildren Deke, Jack, Libby, Selby Whitbeck, and Sam, John, and Townsend Rowland. We would like to acknowledge the supportive staff at Presbyterian Village, Dr. Joe Beck and our good friend and caregiver George Howard. A visitation will be held Monday, January 13, 2020 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home. The funeral will be Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at 2 p.m., at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral followed by inurnment in Treadway Garden and a reception in Morrison Hall. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Episcopal church, the Arkansas Arts Center or a charity of choice.