Commentary: Dave England remembered for tough love

Dave England watches an Arkansas baseball practice Thursday, May 30, 2019, in Fayetteville. (Andy Shupe/NWA Democrat-Gazette)Corey Beck had kept up with Dave England’s worsening health over the last week. The former Arkansas basketball great planned to visit England in the hospital when he finished a painting job Tuesday.

“I had only the front door left to paint and I’d collect $6,000 for the job,” said Beck, owner of a successful home painting operation.

“I didn’t have much left to do, then was headed to see Dave. I knew he was in a tough way.”

It didn’t work out. England died Tuesday in Fayetteville.

“I got the call before I could paint the door,” Beck said. “My friend had died. I told the…