Samuel P. "SP" Wilkerson

SAMUEL P. WILKERSON "SP" passed away on Jan. 26, 2018. He was born Sept. 6, 1944 to the late Henry and Pauline Wilkerson in Sardis, Ark. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Charlotte (Lewallen) Wilkerson, and his brothers, Dean and Eugene. He is survived by two sons, Samuel "Bo" Wilkerson Jr. (Donna) and Jeff Wilkerson (Michelle); three grandchildren, Brittney Renfro (Phillip), Breanna Tatum (Jon) and Tanner Wilkerson; four great-grandchildren, Rory, Randi, and Ryann Renfro and Landen Pelkey and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. For many years, he owned Wilkerson Diesel Inc., in North Little Rock with his father and brothers. They sold the company in 1986 to United Engines and he continued to work there. In 1988, Sammy went to work for Golden Eagle where he retired in late 2015. For over 40 years, SP was at the center of Arkansas Softball. As a player, coach and sponsor, he was well known and loved. He earned the title "Mr. Softball" in 1997. He was inducted into the first class of the Arkansas Softball Hall of Fame in June 1999. He was an avid Razorback fan. S.P. shared his love of sports with his two sons. They spent many weekends in the family den watching football, basketball, baseball and NASCAR. He was Dale Earnhardt JR's #1 fan. Visitation will be 5–7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018 at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home. Funeral will be at 1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018 at the funeral home, followed by burial in Salem Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 10411 West Markham, Suite 100, Little Rock, AR 72205. Online guest book at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.