TILLAR — Winston Rice Kimbro

passed away February 14, 2021. Winston was born January 29, 1931, in Tillar, Ark., to Homer and Kathleen Rice Kimbro.

At the time of his death he was the oldest living native of Tillar, a fact that he was very proud of. He loved talking about Tillar, the people, and all of the town’s history. He was very proud of his little community. Winston came full circle in life as he was born and raised in Tillar. He graduated from Hendrix College in 1952, worked for BN Construction in Pine Bluff, served in the Army in El Paso, Texas, from 1952 to 1953 and worked for GMAC from 1953 to 1986. While working for GM he lived in Crossett, Rogers, and Little Rock, where he raised his family. After he retired from GMAC in 1986 he and Joyce moved back to Tillar and owned and operated an H & R Block franchise in Monticello, Ark. In addition, he continued working in the car business for Mid-Ark Auto Auction in North Little Rock. Out of all the jobs he ever had, Mid-Ark was his most enjoyable and most memorable! He thoroughly enjoyed working with the Keathley family. He worked for Mid-Ark until he went blind in 2001. He has lived in Tillar for the last 35 years, living next door to the home he was born in. Through the years, Winston served on committees for several organizations including: President of the Forest Heights Lions Club, Council Member for the City of Tillar and the Tillar Cemetery Committee. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Little Rock and a member of the Tillar United Methodist Church.

Winston was preceded in death by his grandson, Stephen Holt Lewis; daughter-in-law, Julie Kimbro; brothers-in-law, Sammie Holt and Kenneth Holt; and a very special cousin, Charlie Kimbro.

Winston is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joyce Holt Kimbro; son, Winston Holt Kimbro; and daughters, Jacque Kimbro (Jose Deraney) and Kristen (Steve) Lewis. His grandchildren include Becky Davis, Kelsey Collins, Mathew MacWhirter, Tillar Lewis, Drew Lewis; and special great-niece and nephew, Amy Goodgame and Charles Goodgame. His great-grandchildren include Alex and Audrey Davis, and Kaylee and Maverick Collins. Winston was an only child and considered Joyce’s family as his own. Survivors include sistersin-law, Peggy Holt Goodgame, Vashti Holt and Linda Holt Grossman. He is also survived by his niece, Andrea Holt Jackson; and five nephews, Ken Holt, Lewis Holt, Kevin Holt, Blake Goodgame, and Alan Goodgame; and cousins, Lewellen Kimbro Glosup and Charlene Kimbro Stewart.

Winston will be remembered for his love of Christ, family, and rock ‘n roll music. Up until his death he spent hours listening to the Eagles, Three Dog Night, Jim Croce, Elvis, and many other artists at 700 decibels. The family lost count of how many CD players bit the dust from his perpetual use.

Winston really enjoyed life with his family and friends. He absolutely loved watching his kids play softball. One summer in particular, his kids were on five different softball teams. He always said…”I went broke buying cokes that summer, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything!” He never met a stranger and absolutely loved people. He enjoyed anything and everything ‘car’ related, especially fast sports cars. He enjoyed trotline fishing and loved a good fish fry. He had a love for food and a large appetite (for such a skinny man). His brother in-law spent years trying to grow a pepper too strong for Winston to eat. That never happened! Winston thoroughly enjoyed grilling and making the best hamburgers ever! Winston’s favorite pastime was dancing with his beloved Joyce. They were known for cutting the rug! Finally, even though Winston was quite a fun loving character, who lived life to the fullest…he will always be remembered as a southern gentleman.

Winston would have loved a big party, but due to the family’s concern over Covid-19 and the current weather situation, there will be a family graveside service at the Tillar Cemetery on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 2 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Tillar United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Home, Dumas, Ark. You may sign our online guest book at www.griffinfh.com.