Eddie George Quilty

Eddie George Quilty, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on September 7, 2026, in Perryville, Arkansas, following a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was a beloved son, husband, cousin, friend, classmate, and a man whose intelligence, curiosity, and gentle nature touched the lives of many who knew him.

Born on September 27, 1946 in Stuttgart, Arkansas, to Edward and Lucille Quillty, Eddie grew up in Stuttgart and graduated from S.H.S. in 1964. From an early age, Eddie demonstrated a particular talent for science and mathematics. His parents gave him a set of the World Book Encyclopedia, and Eddie did something that few people would do—he read the entire set. He was a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist and went on to attend the UofA-Fayetteville.

Later, Eddie moved to Little Rock and continued his education at UALR, where he earned a B.S. in Physics in 1981. Eddie was a member of both Sigma Pi Sigma, the national physics honor society, and MENSA.

Following graduation, Eddie moved to California, where he received a M.S. in Physics from San Jose State University in 1984. There he met Rosann Shepard, who became his wife.

He began his professional career as a scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey at Menlo Park, CA. His background in physics led him into scientific research on earthquakes; concentrating on the relationships between hydrologic changes and seismic activity. Among his published work was a U.S. Geological Survey report on the hydrologic effects of the January 17, 1994, Northridge earthquake, on which Eddie was the first-listed author. He was also the primary author on scientific studies of earthquakes near Parkfield and other areas of California. His work reflected his lifelong interest in understanding the natural world and his ability to apply his training in physics to complex scientific questions.

After almost 20 years, Eddie and Rosann returned to Little Rock. Prior to retirement, Eddie worked as a statistician for the Arkansas Department of Health.

He had a remarkable thirst for knowledge and enjoyed working all kinds of puzzles, always eager to exercise his mind as well as his body. He also enjoyed his time at the LR Athletic Club. While exercising on stationary bicycles, Eddie would often watch Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. He could answer almost every Jeopardy question correctly and was equally impressive when it came to solving the puzzles on Wheel of Fortune. For Eddie, exercise and intellectual stimulation could happily go hand in hand.

Always an animal lover, Eddie enjoyed the cats and dogs that both he and Rosann cared for. Eddie was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Little Rock.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Lucille Quilty.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Rosann Quilty of Yakima, Washington; his cousins; Oscar (Lee) Green of Stuttgart, Patricia (Green) Hodge of NLR, AR, Susan (Green) Hancock of Haskell, AR, and numerous friends, former colleagues, and classmates who will remember him with affection.

Eddie lived a life guided by curiosity, intellect, kindness, and a genuine love of learning. Although Alzheimer's disease eventually took away much of the memory and ability that had defined so much of his life, it could not erase the person he had been or the memories he left with those who knew and loved him. He will be remembered as a gentle and thoughtful man, a devoted husband, a loyal friend, and a person whose curiosity about the world never seemed to end.

He will be greatly missed.

The family and friends wish to acknowledge the staff at Perry County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the care they gave Eddie over the past two years. And especially to his two CNAs, James Meridith and Marsha Wiley—thank you.

A memorial service is 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to either the Friends of the Animal Village Little Rock or to the Humane Society of Pulaski County.