Scott Edward Standridge, age 54, passed away on April 17, 2026. Born on June 17, 1971, Scott lived a life marked by intellect, creativity, humor, and a deep love of the written word — both as a craft and as a source of joy.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Shady Standridge; Dorothy (Willcutt) Standridge Earl; Lewis M. Earl; and Coba M. and Irene (Baier) Riddling.

He is survived by his children, William Standridge and Thomas Standridge, and their mother, Sarah Epps Standridge, all of Little Rock; his parents, Ron and Shirley Standridge of Little Rock; and his brothers, Ron Standridge of Little Rock, and Randall Standridge (Steven Cazort) of Jonesboro. He also is survived by a "bonus brother," Mark Pearrow of Dedman, Massachusetts. He is remembered by a wide circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, colleagues, and fellow writers whose lives were enriched by his presence.

A lifelong learner and gifted scholar, Scott graduated as valedictorian of Wilbur D. Mills High School’s Class of 1989, where he was selected for Arkansas Governor’s School and Boys State. He then attended the University of Arkansas as a recipient of a prestigious Sturgis Fellowship. There, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in English Literature in 1993, a time that included a formative junior year studying abroad at Cambridge University in Cambridge, England. He went on to complete his Master’s degree in English Literature in 1995, serving as a graduate teaching assistant during his studies. Scott continued his education at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where he earned a Master's degree in Creative Writing in 1997, before returning to Arkansas.

Professionally, Scott spent more than 25 years working as a Web and Applications Developer in information technology, including the last nine years spent with Vestcom International. While his professional work reflected his analytical mind and problem-solving skills, it was writing that remained his true passion. He was a published poet and essayist, a thoughtful critic, and a dedicated craftsman of language.

He contributed to the online horror publication City Slab Magazine in the 2000s where he had the opportunity to interview actors and figures in the horror genre, including a longtime favorite, heavy metal vocalist King Diamond. He then brought humor and insight to his reviews of low-budget and foreign horror films alongside a close friend as they blogged on the website “Mad Mad Mad Mad Movies.” In 2006, Scott began “The Sonnet Project,” challenging himself to write and post a new sonnet every day for a year. He met that goal — and then kept going, continuing to write and share sonnets off and on through 2013. Those who read his work know that within that collection are many pieces of lasting beauty and wit. His writing captured the many facets of his personality and humor, where he delighted in pivoting from highbrow to lowbrow — sometimes within the same sentence.

Outside of writing, Scott’s interests reflected his eclectic and creative spirit. He was an avid fan of classic horror, particularly the Universal Pictures films of the 1930s and 1940s. His favorite, "The Wolf Man," starring Lon Chaney Jr., resonated deeply with him. His arms were sleeved in colorful tattooed tribute to the Universal movie monsters. He embraced Halloween with enthusiasm, creating elaborate costumes every year, inspired by classic and obscure horror characters alike. He was a self-taught balloon artist, juggler, home beer brewer, pickler, puzzler and disc golfer, as well as a musician who played harmonica, guitar, banjo, ukulele, and kazoo. During his college years, Scott was the lead singer of the heavy metal band Mad Hatter, performing with some college buddies and writing many of the lyrics for their original compositions. The band even won a regional battle of the bands before graduation pulled them in separate directions — yet they remained friends. His love of music endured throughout his life, with a particular fondness for heavy metal (Up the Irons!) but an appreciation for most all genres.

Taking great pride in being a loving and dedicated father to his two children, Scott’s own inner child thrived in a lifetime of joyous and fun moments shared between them while growing up. He was also a loving partner, and later friend, to Sarah for more than 30 years.

Scott will be remembered for his sharp wit and love of wordplay. He delighted in both clever jokes and groan-worthy puns, often laughing as much as those around him.

Friends and family will join to celebrate Scott at an “intentionally informal” Celebration of Life from 1-4 pm on Sunday, May 3 at the I Can! Arts and Resources Center, 1040 Angel Court, Little Rock, AR 72206. A brief memorial program is scheduled for 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to a charitable cause or nonprofit organization of choice. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Cremation Services of Arkansas, (501) 313-5431.