Bruce Lionel McFadden

Bruce Lionel McFadden, a beloved husband, father, and community leader, passed away on January 25, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on April 6, 1938, to Boyce and Aileen Laverne Slocum McFadden in Hickory Ridge, Arkansas, Bruce made a lasting impact on everyone he met through his unwavering faith, commitment to service, and professional achievements.

After graduating as Valedictorian from Hickory Ridge High School in 1956, Bruce attended Arkansas State College (1956-1958) and the University of Arkansas (1958-1960), where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering with honors. His career in civil engineering began with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and his dedication to his field earned him two prestigious fellowships to study at Stanford University, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering and Construction in 1965. Bruce served as a Civil Engineering Officer in the U.S. Army and Air National Guard from 1956 until his honorable discharge in 1965.

In 1960, after two years at Arkansas State, Bruce married his high school sweetheart, Anita Louise Bramlett, who supported their family while he completed his studies. Together, they raised four sons—Greg, Mark, Chris, and Clay—celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in June 2008.

Bruce’s professional career spanned decades, beginning with a role as a construction manager for McNulty Hwy Company in Pine Bluff (1965-1970). In 1970, he founded Improved Construction Methods (ICM), a company known for its innovative approach to construction. For more than 50 years, ICM earned a reputation for excellence in the industry, with Bruce serving as President and CEO for 50 years.

A lifelong Christian, Bruce was baptized as a teenager at Camp Wildwood in Searcy, Arkansas, by Jewel Miller. He and Anita were active members of the Church of Christ, serving in congregations across Arkansas and California. Bruce held leadership positions as a deacon, elder, and mentor in various churches, including, Hickory Ridge, Fayetteville, Rose City, Eureka Springs, Rogers, Sylvan Hills, Pine Bluff, Levy, Cabot, Maumelle, Bowman Road, Central Little Rock, and Pleasant Valley. He was deeply committed to his faith and loved his church family dearly.

Bruce also contributed to his community through his involvement in numerous organizations, including the Arkansas Chapter of the APWA, the AGC Utility Division, the Jacksonville Boys Club, the Industrial Development Group, and the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. He served as Chairman of the Arkansas APWA and as President of the Arkansas AGC. Bruce was inducted in the Arkansas Construction Hall of Fame in 2016. He also sat on the Board of Directors at First Arkansas Bank & Trust for 7 years. His humility, collaborative spirit, and dedication to service were evident in everything he did.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers.

Bruce’s legacy will live on through his wife, Anita; their four sons, Greg McFadden, Mark (Paula) McFadden, Chris (Candy) McFadden, and Clay McFadden; thirteen grandchildren, Scott McFadden, Christan McFadden, Madison Jones, Preston Jones, Colton McFadden, Kacey McFadden, Ella McFadden, Reese McFadden, Cole McFadden, Dustin Bearry, Brandy Watson, J.D. Black, and Kevin Black; and countless individuals whose lives he touched with his faith, leadership, and kindness.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock, AR. A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Levy Church of Christ, with Pastor Leon Barnes, Bill Arnold, and Tom Cloninger officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park in North Little Rock, AR.