Limuel Simpson

Limuel Wade Simpson, age 83, of Lonoke passed away on October 26, 2021, after a brief illness. He was welcomed as a good and faithful servant into the kingdom of heaven by his parents, Ida Willene and C.B. Simpson; a sister, Sarah Carey; and a brother Booker Simpson.

Born on May 31, 1938, Limuel was known for his love for his family, his work ethic, and his faith. He met Mary Ruth, the love of his life and his wife for over 62 years, at Lifeline Baptist Church in Little Rock. She knew he was a keeper when they had their first child and he brought her an entire cheesecake from the Lido Cafeteria in Little Rock where he was manager. Up until his recent illness, he brought her a cup of coffee or bought her a Sonic drink every morning.  A man of many trades, his work included installing lights for the ARKLA gas company; harvesting and selling the honey from his 250 hives of bees; and serving as a Little Rock firefighter, retiring as a Captain (and ping pong champion) after 20 years. Limuel also sold knives for Case Cutlery and knew his product so well that he could identify every pocket knife by touch alone. After moving from Little Rock to Lonoke in 1977, Limuel owned many rental properties and operated Simpson’s Buy and Sell (formerly Interstate Pawn Shop). Everywhere he lived, Limuel served the church his family attended, including being a deacon at West Heights Baptist Church in Little Rock and Eastside and Brownsville Baptist Churches in Lonoke. He taught Sunday school and served as church treasurer for many years and was always the man you wanted on your team for volleyball at church camp. He enjoyed reading a good Western, playing spades with friends, feeding the birds in his yard, tending to his horses, and taking a nap in his recliner. When his extended family gathered to eat, he kept the blessing short and, immediately after the "Amen," said, "You kids go play now." No matter how large his family grew, there was always room for one more in his home and at his table.

He leaves behind many who loved him and whom he loved: his wife Mary Ruth Simpson of Lonoke; his children, Stacie Ferguson of Little Rock, Leslie (Dennis) Staton of Lonoke, Kevin (Melissa) Simpson of Cabot, Amy (Clint) Lackey of Lonoke, and Sean (Amanda) Simpson of Lonoke; and a brother, Hurston Simpson of Little Rock. He was Papaw to 21 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, Uncle Limuel to many nieces and nephews, and a friend to everyone he met.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Boyd Funeral Home in Lonoke. The family requests that masks be worn by those who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 30, at Brownsville Cemetery in Lonoke.