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In Memory Of Our Poets

George B. Simpkins (1941-2022) - Class Of 1959

George Beauregard Simpkins, Sr., 81, passed away at his home on Friday, March 18, 2022, in Eufaula, Alabama.

George was born in Montgomery, Alabama, on January 6, 1941. As the son of a career U.S. Air Force flight mechanic, George spent his adolescent years living on various military bases across the United States, Germany, and the Philippines. It was during these years he developed a fervent and lifelong interest in geography and World War II history.

In 1959, George graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, Alabama, where he earned statewide honors as a First Team All-State Basketball and Birmingham Post-Herald 3A Mr. Basketball selection. George took his athletic skills to nearby Huntingdon College where he would continue his dominance as one of the state's best basketball players. George would later be honored for his storied career at Huntingdon College by being inducted into the Huntingdon College Athletic Hall of Fame.

While at Huntingdon, George met Eve Smallwood, his wife of 53 years and a native of Eufaula, Alabama. After graduating from Huntingdon, the couple moved to Eufaula where George taught and coached at Eufaula High School. He later went to work for Alabama Power where he spent over three decades. An active member of his community, George dedicated countless hours to coaching youth basketball, mentoring multiple generations of young men and women who would go on to succeed both on and off the court. In 1978, George coached Eufaula's Junior Pro youth basketball team of 10-, 11-, and 12-year-olds to an Alabama state championship.

George and his wife Eve were both active members of First Baptist Church of Eufaula where George served as a Deacon and Chairman of the Deacons. George particularly enjoyed spending his Sunday mornings in fellowship with the members of the Jack Powell Sunday School Class, of which he was both a member and teacher, as well as a close friend of the class' namesake.

George was affectionately known as "Pop" to his eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was a frequent spectator at their programs and sporting events and cherished lunches, Spring turkey hunts, and afternoons spent fishing with his grandchildren. In addition to treasuring the time he spent with his family and friends, George was an avid fan of college basketball, particularly the Huntingdon Hawks, Auburn Tigers, and Duke Blue Devils.

George is preceded in death by his wife, Eve Smallwood Simpkins; his parents, Clarence Watson and Margaret Avant Simpkins; his brother Douglas Paul Simpkins; and his son-in-law Duane Mock. He is survived by his three daughters and son, Dainie Sanders (Doug), Evie Lowman (Allan), Jennifer Mock, and Beau Simpkins (Ashley); and his 8 grandchildren, Brad Sanders (Amy), Jack Sanders, Cody Sanders, Wesley Lowman, Jeb Lowman, Chet Lowman, Georgia Mock, and Jada Mock; and 2 great-grandchildren, Abigail Sanders and Audrey Sanders.

Funeral services were held at First Baptist Church on Sunday at 2 P.M., March 20, 2022, with Pastor Chris Wilkinson officiating. Graveside service following the funeral was held at Fairview Cemetery where George was laid to rest. Chapman Funeral Home directing..

Honorary Pallbearers were members of the Jack Powell Sunday School Class.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to honor our nation's veterans through the Honor Flight Network at honorflight.org.

Published in The Eufaula Tribune on March 23, 2022.