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.
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14 Condolence(s)
Pat Halsted
Monday, September 26, 2022
I was very surprised to see Ellis had passed away. I have been rather out of touch for the last few months so I was very sad to see this. I know how difficult it will be for you Alice to be without him.
In my mind I will always think of you two in happier times.... like all the many times you and Ellis went dancing together. Prayers of peace and comfort for you at this most difficult of times.
Prayers of
Jessie
Thursday, September 22, 2022
From when I knew him when I helped Alice clean their house, he was a great man, humorous, humble, nice, sweet, and caring.
Doug and Nancy Weaver
Monday, September 5, 2022
Thank you, sir, for your service to our Country. Our country needs more men like you. May God greatly bless this family. You will be missed.
Michael Vasquez
Monday, September 5, 2022
Alice, Timothy and Rebecca,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families on this sad day. Ellis is a great man with a great family. Blessings.
Gayle Tilley
Monday, September 5, 2022
Alice, you have my deepest condolences during this time of losing your loved one. May God’s peace and love comfort you and your family members. God Bless each one of you!
Rick and Janice Horton
Sunday, September 4, 2022
Alice…we are so very sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. Our sincerest condolences and prayers are with you and your family.
Jeannie
Sunday, September 4, 2022
We love you Alice and family. I will always remember you and Ellis at the senior center. You were a good friend to mom over the years. Ellis was such a nice man and will be missed by many.
Love Jeannie, Ken and family
Eddie and Pam Cannada
Sunday, September 4, 2022
Our deepest sympathy. Ellis always had a funny saying when he saw a friend. Will miss him dearly.
D. L. & Peggy Adams
Sunday, September 4, 2022
Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Albert & Anna (Rainbolt) Maze
Sunday, September 4, 2022
Alice,Tim & Rebecca , we are sorry for your loss. All your families are in our thoughts and prayers.
SID AND LEA ANN TUDOR LOWRANCE
Sunday, September 4, 2022
Alice and family we are so sad to hear of Ellis passing. We always love talking with him at church and Harps. He would always ask if we had any new babie calves. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
James and Jeri White
Sunday, September 4, 2022
Our deepest sympathy
Clara Foshee
Sunday, September 4, 2022
Prayers of comfort for family
Claudia Busbee
Saturday, September 3, 2022
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Glad we were able to honor Ellis for his impressive contribution to our country. Really enjoyed listening to the information of what all he did. Prayers for all of you.