of Hughes, AR
March 25, 1934 - October 7, 2023
Bert Claud Pouncey, III died in his home at Simsboro, AR on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at the age of 89. He was born in Memphis, TN on March 25, 1934 to parents, Bert C Pouncey, Jr and Dorothy Holmes Pouncey. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 68 years, Eva Jo Dillahunty Pouncey.
Bert's first home was in Milan, TN where his father owned a movie theatre. They then moved to Simsboro, AR, then to Chatfield after the flood of 1937. In the late 40's they moved into the family home built by his grandfather at Simsboro. Bert was an Eagle Scout like his father. He graduated from Hughes High School in 1952, where he had met and dated the love of his life since ninth grade, Eva Jo Dillahunty. After a short stint at college in Mississippi, he joined the United States Coast Guard and graduated first in his class from Engineman's School. After a year of not seeing or talking to his sweetheart, Eva, he showed up on her doorstep one day and asked her to marry him. They married on July 28, 1954. They lived in several different places during his service years, then settled in Hughes, AR after an Honorable Discharge from the Coast Guard before moving to West Memphis. He worked with his father at Anoka Boat & Towing Company, a towing and salvage business on the Mississippi River in Memphis. He started a diving division of the company as he was an excellent scuba diver. He did many dangerous jobs that others wouldn't accept. There wasn't any job he couldn't figure out or task he couldn't complete successfully. While living in West Memphis, the family attended first United Methodist Church where Bert taught teenage Sunday School classes for several years, occasionally ruffling a few feathers because of his straightforward approach. He also worked for Waterways Marine in Memphis for a while as a top notch towboat captain. In the 60's he worked for Helena Marine Service where he and his partner, Bob Wynne, operated the HMS Goodwill entertaining dignitaries on the Arkansas River to promote the river's potential and the company's services. While there he learned to fly and became an avid and expert pilot. He once flew his aerobatic plane underneath a bridge. After Bert's father's passing in 1971, he moved his wife and four children into the family home at Simsboro and began farming with his brother, Bob. After a few years he farmed with his wife and sons exclusively until he retired and two of his sons took over the farm.
He loved motorcycles and rode a Harley from his teens up into his eighties. He once rode from San Diego to Hughes in a couple of days, spending a night in a jail cell in Hobbs, New Mexico to sleep. The Sherriff woke him up the next morning and took him to breakfast. Having river water in his veins, he owned several boats including a sailboat named "Eagle's Nest" he once sailed from the Gulf of Mexico up the river to Memphis. Being an expert sailor, he could navigate by the stars and a compass. His favorite boat was his last, a houseboat named "Lotta Light" on which he and Eva enjoyed many wonderful trips together. The family also enjoyed many canoe trips as well as motor home vacations.
Bert didn't mince any words and being very independent, he definitely did things his way, which was almost always the right way. He exemplified hard work, truth, honesty and respect. His word was his bond and he was filled with integrity. He believed in God and country. His idea of faith was based on The Ten Commandments. He liked to call them "The Big Ten". In short, he was a unique, awesome human being.
Bert is survived by his brother, Lee Robert Pouncey (Dianne) and his four children, Bert Claud Pouncey, IV (Pam), Hugh Dillahunty Pouncey (Carolyn), Laura Lee Pouncey and Robert Holmes Pouncey (Michelle) all of Simsboro or very nearby. He also leaves eight grandchildren, several great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, October 13 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM with a memorial service to follow in the Chapel at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to The West Memphis Animal Shelter, Tunica Humane Society or any other charitable organization.
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21 Condolence(s)
Suzie Skillman
Sunday, November 5, 2023
I am sorry to hear of Mr. Pouncey's passing. Mr. Pouncey was my Sunday School teacher and I still remember to this day some of our lessons and discussions. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Patricia P Walters
Monday, October 23, 2023
Robert, I am just now hearing about your Dad. I loved talking to him at the Dairy Bar and hearing about all the things that he had done in his lifetime. So sorry to hear about his passing and
he will definitely be Missed. He is with Miss Eva again and happy now. I talked with him a couple of times after Miss Eva left and he was not the same Mr Bert that I had talked to b4.
God be with you and the family.
Marsha Holloway
Thursday, October 19, 2023
He left a legacy that is hard to live up too
Steve Schoettle, M.D.
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Big Bert was an icon to us growing up. He worked on and in the river, and always had great stories to tell. He took care of his family, and friends. He will be missed.
Steve and Georgianne Schoettle
Joseph Kaelin
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Laura Lee,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Sincerest Condolences,
Joe & Sheila
Glen & Patsy Foster
Monday, October 16, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Nancykaye Todd Brown
Monday, October 16, 2023
Bert, I am so sorry to hear you all lost your Dad. May you and your family find the peace needed during this painful time. Afterward seems to be the hardest time after our loss. I pray that will go as well as possible. Gods speed…Nancykaye Todd Brown
Chris Fair Beebe
Sunday, October 15, 2023
I was one of the teenagers taught by Mr. Pouncey at First Methodist Church many years ago. He made a big impact on me and throughout the years since I've thought of him with respect and appreciation for his honesty and integrity. Giving thanks for him and holding his family in my prayers.
Ralph Griggs
Saturday, October 14, 2023
Bert was a great man and team mate. I have valued his friendship as far back as grade school and especially through high school at Hughes High. My prayers to the family. What a wonderful, interesting life he had.
Ralph Griggs
Saturday, October 14, 2023
So sorry for your loss of a great man. Bert was a team mate and I have admired him since we were in Jr. High School at Hughes. Always the perfect gentleman and got along with each and every one of us. I treasure growing with him....
Kristy Simmons
Saturday, October 14, 2023
So sorry for your loss Mr Bert was a wonderful man he will be missed praying for you all and your family
Dave Brady
Thursday, October 12, 2023
What a wonderful man. He will be missed. Wishing you peace during this difficult time.
Andy Luttrell
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Prayers for Mr. and Mrs. Pouncey and all their family members.
Sincerely,
Andy Luttrell
Debbie Shirley
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Sorry for Your Loss!!!
Mr Bert was one of a kind, He will be Missed!!!
Keith Crowder
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Bert and Robear, I am sorry to hear of your Dad's passing, I have always enjoyed knowing and doing business with your family.
Prayers and sympathy to all of your family.
Keith Crowder and family
Stella Blundell
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Love you all. And prayers to each . He will truly be missed, as Mrs. EVA. They were 2 of the all time great couple 2 of the best I ever known, loved them so much.
Suzy Brown
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
So very sorry for your loss. Sending up prayers for all!
Sincerely,
Cecil & Suzy Brown
STEVE GRIFFIN
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Bert, Hugh, Robert, So sorry to hear of ya'll loss of Mr Bert! Ya'll and all the family will be in out thoughts and prayers daily!!!!
Lynda Wise
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
We enjoyed knowing Bert and Eva. Thinking of you all at this time. You all are in our prayers.
Cliff and Lynda wise
Roger Atkins
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Bert, Hugh, Robert and Laura Lee and family I am sorry for your loss. We have lost a very special friend and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Keith Ingram
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Please know your family is in our prayers. KMI