DR. JOHN ROBINSON HAMPTON III,

known to his close family and friends as Bebo, died on February 22, 2024, in his Little Rock home, surrounded by his family and beloved dog, Zowie. Dr. Hampton was born on February 24, 1942 and was 81 years old. John was given the nickname, Bebo, as a child. He grew up in the Heights, where he rode his bike to Forest Park Elementary School. Growing up, he enjoyed golfing and swimming at the Little Rock Country Club. He was known as a “good dancer” by his peers at Little Rock Junior Cotillion. John graduated from Hall High School in Little Rock, where he made many life-long friends. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Hendrix College in Conway in 1964. He received his medical degree from the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences in 1968. He completed an internship at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, a residency in internal medicine at Kessler Medical Center and a fellowship in pulmonary disease at UAMS. Dr. Hampton practiced medicine for more than 50 years. His career began in Little Rock, where he co-founded Pulmonary Associates. He also spent many years caring for patients at CHI St. Vincent and Baptist Health Medical Center, both in Little Rock; as well as Saline Memorial Hospital in Saline County. He was certified in internal and pulmonary medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He cared for so many people and saved so many lives during his career. He also never turned down a request to help a relative or neighbor in need of medical care. Dr. Hampton served over 20 years in the Armed Forces as a medical doctor and in the Army Reserves in a medical unit. During that time, he traveled to El Salvador, where he provided medical care to people in need. He retired as a Colonel in 2002. Bebo enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs. He loved taking his kids and grandkids tubing and water skiing. He also loved traveling around the world, music, gardening, and Broadway plays. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Melissa (Smith) Hampton. Bebo and Melissa enjoyed their years together traveling, attending musicals, and watching sunsets at the Lake. He is also survived by two daughters: Holly Hampton Hill and Robin Hampton Green, both of Little Rock; two step-daughters: Ginnie Gipson (Jerry), of Conway, and Jill Samatha Dawson of Tulsa, Okla.; two grandchildren: Jackson Richard House and Riley Grace House; two step grandchildren: Kaitlyn Elise Austin and Brayden Avery Austin; and sister, Irma Lincoln Hampton. He is preceded in death by his parents, Irma Lincoln Hampton and John Robinson Hampton, II. The family would like to give special thanks to Nitzie Chable, the staff at Arkansas Hospice, and the nurses from Buddies Angels; Angie, Patti, Kaci, Kaylee, and Ashley.

Services for Dr. Hampton will take place Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 12 p.m., at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, at 4823 Woodlawn Drive in Little Rock. The family will have a private burial service, with military honors, immediately following. A reception will be held at 2 p.m., for family and friends, at the Chenal Country Club, at 10 Chenal Club Boulevard in Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Wounded Warriors Project, ASPCA, or Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com.