Frank L. Doughty passed away on August 20, 2025. He was born June 21, 1930 in Memphis, Tennessee. Predeceasing him were his parents Frank L. and Mabel Gilliam Doughty, aunts Ruth (Doughty) Bradshaw, Helen (Doughty) Robinson, Charlotte (Gilliam) Glidden and Mildred (Gilliam) Reese.
He is survived by his wife Suzanne Buerkle Doughty, son Frank Christian (wife Mary) and grandchildren Kevin, Kate, Thomas and Michael and son Paul Ted and grandchildren Emily and Isabella. He is also survived by cousins Craig and Chris Glidden and niece Suzanne Heidt.
Frank graduated from Stuttgart (Arkansas) High School and attended Ringling School of Art and Little Rock Junior College. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War and later graduated in Architecture at the University of Arkansas in 1960.
Frank started his Architecture career with Edward Stone in New York City in 1959 and later with E. Fay Jones in Fayetteville (early 1960s) before entering private practice. He also taught Architecture at the University of Arkansas from 1971 to the 1990s. His work included houses in Illinois, Florida, and Arkansas, three of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Memorials may be given to the Grand Prairie Museum, 921 East 4th Street, Stuttgart, AR 72160 and the Arkansas Air Museum, 4290 South School Street, Fayetteville AR 72701.
His ashes will be interred in the Buerkle Family Plot at the Lutheran Cemetery in Stuttgart AR.
A gathering of family and friends will take place from 3-5 PM, Saturday, September 20, 2025 at the family home, 884 N Skyline Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72701.
Suzanne, Chris & Ted, you are all three in my heart at present & in the coming weeks, as you navigate life without Frank on this Earth. What a life he had! His legacy will continue on with you all & his life’s extensive architectural work. I am grateful I got to see Frank & spend some time with him in June.
Farewell to Dear Frank as he journeys forward. Suzanne, Frank, Chris and Ted were our dear neighbors 55+ years ago in Boca Raton, Florida. Those precious years form lasting memories of a time of shared lives…..of pot-luck dinners at neighborhood events, evenings of in-depth discussions of architecture, news of the day, design ethics, community life and the brilliance of Ted and Chris and our Mark and Susan. The four were elementary aged city planners developing dirt cities after their fathers, both architects. Our families enjoyed a rare friendship made fast with common ideals. Love and respect was foremost in our coming together.
My heart is with you Suzanne, Ted and Chris as you now experience life as you have known with your dear Frank. With heart felt love, Barbara
Dear Suzanne, Chris, and Ted – my heart is with you during this major event for your family.
I have fond memories of the time our young families spent together in Florida. Some of the favorite mental images from those years were going to the beach together – the Doughtys, riding in their red Corvair convertible, top down, and all their beach gear sticking out. Fun times!
Frank designed a wonderful waterfront home in Boca Raton during the Florida years. He had a great talent and was enjoyable to be with.
Love Richard
Frank was.my first design studio teacher. He made the difference in everything in my career. I loved him and I respected all he tried to teach me. He and Fay Jones changed my life. All I have accomplished is due to them. Frank taught me that I could work harder than everyone and I would be successful. I loved him. Thank you Suzanne.