Northwest Arkansas banker Patrick Woodruff dies unexpectedly at 42

Patrick Woodruff of Rogers, a senior vice president of Little Rock-based Encore Bank, died unexpectedly Sunday (Sept. 10) in Rogers. He was 42.

According to a Rogers Police Department spokesman, Woodruff was found by witnesses in a pond at Pinnacle Country Club. Rogers Fire Department was dispatched and attempted CPR. First responders transported Woodruff to Mercy Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“[Criminal Investigation Division] was notified and determined there was no foul play,” a RPD statement to the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal said. “It is believed Patrick had a medical issue while trying to retrieve his golf balls and drowned.”

Encore Bank CEO Chris Roberts provided this statement to the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal:

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend, Patrick Woodruff, who passed away over the weekend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Patrick’s family and friends during this difficult time.

“Patrick was a valued member of the Encore family, serving as a Commercial Relationship Manager in our Rogers office since November of 2019. His infectious smile and unique sense of humor brightened our workplace, bringing laughter and positivity to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“Today, we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual who will be greatly missed.”

Encore Bank was formed in 1997. In mid-March 2019, Burt Hicks and several investor managers moved into executive roles and began reshaping the bank, formerly The Capital Bank, with $161 million in assets.

According to the most recent data from the FDIC, the bank now has $4 billion in assets as of June 30, with 17 locations in seven states. The bank entered the Northwest Arkansas market in early 2019 and hired Woodruff later that year.

Woodruff, a Rogers native, graduated from the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He had nearly 20 years of banking experience with expertise in commercial lending. Before joining Encore Bank, Woodruff spent seven years working for Bank OZK.

Woodruff was president and co-founder of The Miller McNeil Woodruff Foundation, popularly known as “I’m With Miller.” He and his wife Meredith started the foundation in 2011 after the death of their second-born son, Miller, who was born with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

“The Miller McNeil Woodruff Foundation is committed to raising awareness, funding research, curing SMA and offering support to families who are faced with the same challenges SMA brought to their family,” the foundation website says.