Londell Middleton

February 11, 1940 — April 8, 2018

HIStory

Londell Middleton was born in Curtis near Arkadelphia, Arkansas on February 11, 1940. He was the 4th child of seven children born to Cleophus “Cleo” and Hazel Murchison Middleton. Raised in a Christian home, he carried those values with him throughout his life. Londell accepted Christ as his personal Savior as a little boy and united with the West Gum Springs Church of God in Christ family. He was a life-long member who served as deacon, trustee, on the building committee and a member of the finance committee.

He received his formal education beginning at the rural Curtis school and was graduate of the now historic Peake High School. Londell advanced as a student and to no one’s surprise he enrolled at AM & N College, now UAPB. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree; studying biology and physical education. The independent spirit, strong character and iron will of Londell would be the genesis of his legacy and life.

Londell first worked in the Delta of North East Arkansas as an instructor. In 1960, he went to Bell High School where we worked as a physical education and drivers’ education teacher. He also coached boys’ basketball and was hailed as the most winning coach at Gurdon High School.

In June of 1965, Londell married his high school sweetheart, Annette Bullock. They settled in Gum Springs and the Lord added to their lives Denise, Alfia and Tori. Londell loved Annette and his girls dearly. He was a wonderful provider, giving Annette and their daughters the opportunity to enjoy the finer things that life offered. Londell and Annette were inseparable and shared 50 years of blissful love and laughter.

When Reynolds Metal Company opened in Gum Springs, like many black male educators at that time, he decided that this opportunity would be better for the family financially. He made numerous friends and developed tight bonds with the employees there. He later worked as a jailer for the Clark County Sheriff’s Department where he later retired. His height, strength and last name made him a much-respected man.

He made friends easily and was always known to be mild tempered and humble. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather; no sacrifice was too great for his family. His favorite pastimes were reading and playing dominoes.

On Sunday, April 8, 2018, after 78 fruitful years, his journey ended. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Annette Middleton; his daughter, Denise Barton; siblings, Thelma Jean Booker, John L. Middleton, and Joe L. Middleton; brothers-in-law, Rev. Raymond Callies and Robert Nicholson, Jr.

Though he is no longer with us in body, and his irreplaceable presence will be deeply missed, his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all those who were impacted by his life. He leaves two daughters, Alfia Middleton Collins and Tori Middleton; six grandchildren, Brittany Middleton, Kevin Barton, Jr., Kendrick Barton, Ariana Middleton, Malik Middleton, and Joshua Collins; four great-grandchildren, Makiyah Wyatt, Zyon Wyatt, Zachary Middleton, Tynesha Barton; one great-great grandson; two sisters, Eunice Callies and Varrie Nicholson; sisters-in-law, Leva Middleton and Betty Babbs; brothers-in-law, Hosea Bullock and Elder Charles Booker. He also leaves an abundance of nieces, nephews, other relatives, former students and numerous friends.

Public visitation will be held on Friday, April 13, 2018 from 12 noon until 5:00 p.m.at the funeral home. A celebration of his life will be shared at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., pastor and Elder James Banks, eulogist. Interment will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Public Visitation

Friday, April 13, 2018

12:00 - 5:00 pm (Central time)

Williams Funeral Home

1517 Caddo St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923

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Celebration of Life

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Starts at 1:00 pm (Central time)

Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church

1600 Caddo St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923