Connie D. Kimbrell, age 81, of the "Y" community near Rison, went to be with the Lord, Thursday, June 30, 2016 in Little Rock. Mr. Kimbrell was born June 26, 1935 in Cleveland County, a son of the late Alex Kimbrell and Della Spakes Kimbrell. He was a 1954 graduate of Rison High School and was well known for being a top basketball and football player. Mr. Kimbrell was a retired employee of K & W Insulation. He was a member of Bethel #1 Missionary Baptist Church and was a mason. Connie loved spending time fishing and trot lining with his grandson, Austin and Donnie Wilson. He cherished the time spent with his wife and daughter, attending every one of her basketball, track meet and softball games during her high school and college years. Connie coached many state championship softball teams and having touched the lives of many that they will never forget. He enjoyed spending time with all children and his faithful squirrel dog, Buddy. Connie and Opal recently celebrated their sixty-first wedding anniversary. She was truly the love of his life. Mr. Kimbrell was preceded in death by two brothers, Tracy Valentine, Lewis E. Valentine; five sisters, Ora Valentine, Eunice Nichols, Mabel Smith, Mildred Kimbrell and Rita Reep.

Survivors include his wife, Opal Reed Kimbrell of the "Y" Community; daughter and son-in-law, Shalon Northern and husband, Martin of Hot Springs; grandson, Austin Crow of Hot Springs.

Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m., Sunday, July 3, 2016 at Bethel #1 Missionary Baptist Church in Rison with Brother John Fulmer and Brother Gary Lambright officiating. Interment will follow in Wilson Cemetery at Rison. Visitation will be 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Saturday, July 2, 2016 at Buie Funeral Home in Rison. Pallbearers are Donnie Wilson, Toby Reep, Lamar Reep, Kevin Reep, Chuck Valentine and Jimmy Reep. Memorials can be made to Autism Speaks.org, 6380 Lyndon Johnson Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75240 or Bethel #1 Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral arrangements are by Buie Funeral Home of Rison.