Paul Leon Gipson Jr.

Paul “Leon” Gipson, Jr. 64, of Black Oak, Arkansas

Leon grew up in the Oak Grove Community and graduated from Valley View High School in 1961. He has owned and operated Gipson Well Co., an irrigation water-well and pump business, since 1971. In 1991, they moved the business to Monette, Arkansas. They reside in Black Oak, Arkansas and are members of Monette First Baptist Church. Leon sang and played the guitar most of his life, with other members of the family, known as “The Gipsons”. He was very devoted to his family. Family meant the utmost to him, Leon was a true and trusted friend to all who knew him. He served in the Arkansas National Guard and was a 32nd degree Mason.

He leaves his wife, Linda Bennett Gipson, of 42 years. Also, three children, two sons and one daughter-in-law, Troy and Julie Gipson and Dave Gipson, of Jonesboro. One daughter, Tina Gipson of Black Oak; eight grandchildren Brent Gipson, Blaine Gipson, Mallory Gipson, Josh Gipson, Noah Walker, all of Jonesboro, Ariel Carroll, and Allana Carroll, of Black Oak, and Audrey Parrish of Marmaduke. Five brothers, Larry Gipson, Jimmy Gipson, Gary Gipson, Jerry Gipson and Mark Gipson and three sisters, Betty White, Patricia Agee and Karen Woodruff all of Jonesboro.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Bessie Gipson, one brother, Bob Gipson, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, A. D. and Orean Bennett.

Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Thursday, May 18, 2006 at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Rev. Captain Lovell and Bob Blankenship officiating and burial at Philadelphia Cemetery with Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Active pallbearers are Jeremy White, Jim May, Jon Jones, Brent Gipson, Mark Gipson, and Tracy Bolden. Honorary pallbearers are Hershel Caples, Vance Cook, Ron Jones, Stan Dodson, Bill Gallion, Paul McMorris, Steve Youngstrom, Dave Youngstrom, Charlie Agee, Kevin McComas and Bill Carle.

For those wishing to leave lasting memorials, the family request you please consider the Monette First Baptist Church Family Life Center.

Visitation will be from 5 – 7 Wednesday night at Emerson Funeral Home. To view Leon's MEMORIAL VIDEO TRIBUTE