Grady Kimbrell

Grady Kimbrell, age 81, of Pine Bluff passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born November 18, 1932 in Chicot County to the late Sylvester N. Kimbrell and Virgie E. Payne Kimbrell, one of twelve children. Grady was reared and received his early education from Herbine and Rison. Grady joined the Navy in 1951 and was initially stationed in San Diego, California. He fought in the Korean War and served until his discharge at the rank of Seaman First Class in 1955. After graduating Eaton Barber College in Little Rock in 1956, he worked in Warren with Shorty Montgomery. He then worked in Pine Bluff at Joe's Barber Shop on Main Street from 1957 until 1961. Grady was the first tenant to open a business at Jefferson Square Shopping Center in 1961, opening even before the shopping center was fully complete. He retired and closed shop at the end of September 2013 as the last remaining original tenant. Many young men received their first haircut from Grady and continued the tradition by bringing their children as well. The barber shop was always full. No one minded waiting their turn for a haircut from Grady. A "Grady Kimbrell" special is well known. High and tight, flat top, or buzz, Grady's haircuts were the best. A close shave with the straight edge razor pleased many. In the 1970's, Grady served as President of the Pine Bluff Little League, consisting of the American, National, Western, and Eastern Leagues. Grady was a long standing member of the Watson Chapel Football Chain Gang. He ran chains for over 20 years and was a common sight at all of the home games. Grady attended an infinite number of football, baseball, softball, basketball and soccer games of his children and grandchildren. He was also convinced to sit through two generations of dance recitals for his girls. Grady enjoyed peaceful, outdoor, country activities. The Saline River, hunting, fishing, and telling stories around a camp fire were among his favorites. Visit with Grady for a few minutes and you would most likely hear wonderful stories of his childhood, growing up with all of his siblings, spooky tales to raise the hair on the back of your neck, a few war stories, a joke or two, and a political opinion (Republican of course!). Grady is survived by his wife, Janice Ashcraft Kimbrell. They were married in Warren, Arkansas, on June 8, 1953. He is also survived by four children, Keith Kimbrell of Sheridan, Mark "Luke" Kimbrell of Rison, Rocky (Lisa) Kimbrell of Grapevine, and Traci (Greg) Easter of Pine Bluff; five grandchildren, Josh Kimbrell of Sheridan, Jake (Tara) Easter of Sheridan, Harley Easter of Pine Bluff, Samantha Kimbrell of Grapevine, and Madison Taylor of Grapevine; two great -grandchildren, Jaden Easter and Ava Easter of Sheridan; brothers, Leon (Virginia) Kimbrell, W.A. (Martha) Kimbrell, D.H. (Margie) Kimbrell, and Gene (Emma) Kimbrell; sisters, Delores (Larry) Williams, Birdie (J.P.) Simms, Carmon (ED) Walls. He was preceded in death by brothers, R.C. (Marie) Kimbrell, Billy Joe Kimbrell, and Hughie (Shirley) Kimbrell. He was loved by numerous nephews, nieces, family, friends, and customers. We will miss you Grady, Dad, Pop, Uncle Grady, Grady Willum, Shady Grady, Mr. Kimbrell -- you are our Hero and our Pal. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, March 27, 2014 at Buie Funeral Home in Rison. Funeral services are 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 28, 2014 at Buie Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend J.P. Simms officiating. Burial will follow at Prosperity Cemetery in Herbine. Pallbearers are Clay Ashcraft, Clint Ashcraft, Britt Taylor, Michael Walls, Jeff Works, and Chris White. Honorary pallbearers are Jake Easter and Josh Kimbrell. Funeral arrangements are by Buie Funeral Home of Rison. (870) 325-6216. You may sign the guestbook at www.buiefuneralhome.com.