Clarence Daniel (Dan) Stripling's Obituary
Clarence Daniel (Dan) Stripling passed away on Feb 2, 2026 surrounded by love. He left behind a legacy of justice, service, and deep devotion to family, faith, and community.
He was the son of the late Clarence E. Stripling and Eva Kilpatrick Stripling, and the husband of Robin Walker Stripling. He was a proud father to Nathan, Morgan (Leigh-Ann), Rachel Solis (Arturo), Walker, and Luke, and a devoted grandfather to Halee Waggoner (Ryan), Eva, Isaiah, and Jonathan Stripling, and great grandchildren, Anthony and Wendy Waggoner. He is also survived by his brother Darrell and his nephew Ryan.
Throughout his life, Dan answered a calling to serve others. He began his career as a teacher at Sylvan Hills High School before entering into law where his commitment to fairness and accountability defined his work. He served as a Pulaski County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, practiced law privately in Clinton, and went on to become an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. In that role, he prosecuted white supremacists, corporate criminals, and drug dealers—including a sitting state prosecutor—always guided by a deep belief in the rule of law and the responsibility of public service. He later served as an Administrative Law Judge for the U.S. Social Security Administration. His exceptional work was recognized with two U.S. Department of Justice Director’s Awards.
Even in retirement, Dan remained dedicated to service. He volunteered with Pathway to Freedom at the Wrightsville Prison, offering hope, dignity, and compassion to those seeking a better future. He was an active member of Christ Church in Fayetteville and a past member of Argenta United Methodist Church in NLR. He also gave his time as a Lunch Buddy at a local elementary school, quietly investing in the life of a child who needed encouragement and consistency.
Outside of his professional and volunteer work, Dan found joy in the simple, meaningful rhythms of life. He loved listening to Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison, watching Law and Order reruns, and long walks with his little dog, Harper. He missed his LR neighborhood of Pettaway, where many memories were made, but embraced his Fayetteville neighborhood with the same openness, delighting in new friendships and a renewed sense of community.
Above all, Dan will be remembered as a man of integrity, kindness, and steady courage—a husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose life made a lasting difference in the lives of many.
A memorial service will be held at Argenta United Methodist Church in North Little Rock on February 28 at 2:00. Reception to follow at Copper Grill in Little Rock.
Remembrances may be made to Pathway to Freedom.
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