J. B. Simpson

J. B. Simpson, 86, of Manila, died Thursday, March 12, 2015, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro.

Born in Calhoun City, Mississippi, he had been a Manila area resident for over 80 years and was the son of the late William Morris and Clara Harrellson Simpson. He was raised in the Blackwater community and was a retired self-employed farmer. J. B. received Jesus Christ into his life in 1950 and went on to be very active in his church for the remainder of his life, serving in many capacities, including, teaching Sunday school for 45 years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, John Simpson; three sisters, Lottie Stockton, Evelyn Lipford and Guelda Deason; one grandson, Jason Booth Simpson; two great-grandsons, Matt Poe and Jack Simpson; and one great-great-granddaughter, Kinley Wilbanks.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Anna Bell Cheatham Simpson of Manila;

One son and daughter-in-law, Willie and Debbie Simpson of Caraway;

One daughter, Janie Hattle of Lepanto;

One brother, Morris Simpson of Manila;

One sister, Nella Lee of Blytheville;

Eight grandchildren, Joshua Simpson and his wife Jennifer, Lacey Poe and her husband Greg, Joseph Simpson and wife Andrea, Nikki Banks and husband Michael, Aaron Hattle, Sarah Hattle, Michael Adams and wife Misty and Tiffany Deatherage and her husband, Erik;

Fourteen great-grandchildren, Kathryn Wilbanks, Andrew Simpson, Kristen Simpson, Aubry Simpson, Bryan Poe, Zach Poe, Gabe Poe, Jordan Poe, Lela Poe, Ty Banks, Brody Banks, Jordan Adams, Jake Adams and Madi Adams; and

One great-great-granddaughter, Riley Wilbanks.

A funeral service will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Blackwater Baptist Church near Manila with the Rev. William Piercy officiating. Burial will follow in Manila Cemetery under the direction of Howard Funeral Service of Manila. The family will receive visitors from 1 p.m. until service time at the church.

Active pallbearers will be Willie Simpson, Joshua Simpson, Joseph Simpson, Andrew Simpson, Aaron Hattle, Bryan Poe, Gregory Poe and Michael Banks. All of Mr. Simpson's other grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.

A guest register is at www.howardfuneralservice.com.