of Marshall, AR

September 28, 1934 - September 2, 2022

Ellis Haywood Simpkins, age 87, of Marshall, Arkansas passed from this life on Friday, September 2nd, 2022 at UAMS in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born in Monette, Arkansas on September 28th, 1934 to Jesse Simpkins and Lillie Tucker Simpkins.

Ellis was a United States Special Forces Sergeant Major Retiree of the US Army. He served our nation for more than 30 years in uniform. He entered military service in 1952 at the age of 17. He served in the Korean War and two tours in Vietnam. He also served in Japan and Panama. He made 482 HALO parachute jumps! High Altitude Low Opening which means jumping between 15,000 feet and 35,000 feet and free falling before opening the parachute. He also had 333 static line jumps. He also taught ROTC cadets for six years at Hamilton University in Virginia. He received the Bronze Star Medal with "V" device. Earlier this year he was awarded a Quilt of Valor at the Veteran's Memorial Hall in Marshall. Ellis considered himself a lucky man and felt that he served both God and his country, the two things he loved most of all. He was a strong Christian man of the Pentecostal faith. He was a 36-year member of the American Legion, belonging to the post in Mountain View. Ellis was a loving husband, father, grandfather, neighbor and friend. He enjoyed building and hunting ginseng. His strength, work ethic and integrity will be greatly missed by his family and the community.

Survivors include his wife, Alice Ragland Simpkins, who he married in 1996; his children, Barry Simpkins of Little Rock, Bruce Simpkins (Jerri Bishop) of Scott, Austin Simpkins of Florida and Kate Simpkins of Iowa; his step-children, Tim LaPointe (Sherrel) of South Dakota and Rebecca Mays (Tim) of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Shawn Simpkins and Hallie Simpkins; step-grandchildren, Sara Dinger, Grace LaCroix, Ben LaPointe, Lila Mays and John Mays; step-great-grandchildren; Annabelle Dinger and Annika Dinger; brother, Billy Jack Simpkins (Nelda) of Jonesboro; sister, Winona Kifer of Jonesboro and numerous extended family and friends who will also mourn his passing.

Ellis is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Lillie Simpkins; his daughter, Kim Simpkins; his son, Brian Simpkins; and siblings, Jess Simpkins, Tommy Simpkins, Maybell Simpkins, Bette Jean Simpkins and Norma Stevens.

Funeral services for Ellis will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, September 6th, 2022 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. David Wallis and Bro. Clayton Lesley officiating. Visitation will be 1:00 till 2:00 PM preceding the service. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery in Marshall, Arkansas, where Ellis will be laid to rest with military honors. Bearers will be Bruce Simpkins, Steven Bishop, Robin Youngman, Mike Hanks, Randy Simpkins and Hughy Ragland. Honorary bearers will be Jacky Stevens and Junior Busbee.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Coffman Funeral Home
923 Highway 65 North
Marshall, AR  72650
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com