Obituaries

Walter "Buster" Simpson

Photo of Walter "Buster" Simpson
Walter M. "Buster" Simpson, 75, of Pine Bluff, died Tuesday, November 24, 2015. Born April 7, 1940, son of the late Walter A. and Zada Myers Simpson, he grew up in Pine Bluff and graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1958. He attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and later the Chicago School of Interior Design. Buster joined John A. Simpson Furniture Company, his family business in Pine Bluff, and worked there for 35 years in sales and management, retiring in 1995. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church, where he served on the administrative board and as a youth mentor by being both a counselor and Sunday school teacher. Beyond his career and church life, he was well known for his "before school" breakfast buffets, late night ping-pong tournaments, and infamous yard rolling in his El Camino alongside teenage accomplices. Buster was a member of Drakes' Landing Hunting Club, pursuing his passion of fishing and hunting. He was a large supporter of youth sports and enjoyed his time as a board member of both the National Ponytail League and Babe Ruth Baseball Association. He was an American Little League coach, umpire, and team father, and he also housed players and their families for both Babe Ruth World Series in Pine Bluff. Buster served on the boards of Teen Town, Dial PTA, Seabrook Athletic Center, and the PBHS A Cappella Choir Parents. Survivors include his wife, Marlyn Blackwell Simpson; sister, Barbara Weaver and husband Bobby; son, Walter M. Simpson, Jr.; daughters: Cynthia L. Cupp, Debra S. Young and husband Todd, and considered second-son, Brian Ashley Bush; numerous nephews and nieces; bonus-children: Larry Blackwell, Leigh Ann Ayres, and Len Blackwell; 6 grandchildren: Mary Daniel, Myers, Harrison Hall, Julie Marie, Michael, and Danny Ray; 2 great-grandchildren, 11 bonus-grandchildren, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 40 years, Lynne E. Simpson; his brother, John "Bo" Simpson; and his sister, Beverly Bush. The family wishes to thank the JRMC staff for their professional and attentive care. Service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, November 28, at First United Methodist Church with Reverend Mike Morey officiating. Reception will be from 10 a.m. until service time in the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church, 200 West 6th Street, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71601 or Arkansas Sheriffs' Youth Ranches, PO Box 3964, Batesville, Ark. 72503-3964. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.

Published November 26, 2015

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