Allen Ray Wimberly

Allen Ray Wimberly (60) departed this life on July 28, 2023 after a lengthy battle with breast cancer.  

He entered his eternal rest surrounded by family.  Allen was born on November 10, 1962 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Wanda Wimberly Young and Bobby Wimberly.

 

His interest in instrumental music began as a young teenager at North Side Pentecostal Church in North Little Rock where he played alto saxophone for worship services.  Allen dedicated his life to God during his years at North Side.  After graduating high school in 1981 from what was then Ole Main in North Little Rock, he received a bachelor’s degree in music education from Henderson State University in 1986 also participating in leadership in the Phi Mu Alpha band fraternity.  After teaching for many years, he received a master’s degree in jazz music studies from the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

Allen began his teaching career in 1987 at Tuckerman, Swiftan and Grubbs School District in Northeast Arkansas.  His teaching career as band director included the communities of Fouke, DeQueen, Gurdon, Queen City, Texas, Camden; and finishing his 34.5 years as an extremely successful music educator at Watson Chapel in Pine Bluff.

During his teaching career he was affiliated with the Arkansas Band Masters Association (ABA), Arkansas School Band And Orchestra Association (ASBOA), and the Four States Bandmasters Association.  He was also associated with the Henderson State University Summer Band Camp.  

 

Allen served as an adjudicator throughout the state of Arkansas for marching, concert and jazz band assessment; All Region and All State Band Clinician; and Solo And Ensemble.  He has mentored several successful student interns over the years which include hundreds of students that he has encouraged through instrumental music.

Allen was a lifelong fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Dallas Cowboys.  While in Pine Bluff, Allen was an active participant in the Pine Bluff Community Band and the Summit Soundz Celebration Band.  He was a member of the First Methodist Church where he faithfully sang tenor in the choir.

Allen is survived by his wife, Bonnie Stephenson Wimberly, and son, Garrison.  Parents Bobby and Esterlee Wimberly of North Little Rock; and Wanda Wimberly Young of Jacksonville; brother, Chris Wimberly (Janet) of Sherwood; sisters Shirley Sorensen (Kirk) of Sherwood, and Traila Epperson (Bob) of Mabelvale.

A memorial service will be Tuesday, August 1 at the First Methodist Church, 200 W. 6^th Ave. in Pine Bluff at 1:00 PM with Pastor Carlton Cross and Lewis Hinkle officiating.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Summit Soundz Celebration Band, 901 Ridgway Road, Pine Bluff, AR  71603 to establish the Allen Wimberly Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Ste B1, Little Rock, AR 72205.