E.J. Hampton, 88

Funeral services for Edward James “E.J.” Hampton, 88, of Wasola, were held Feb. 27, 2024, in the Clinkingbeard Chapel in Ava with burial in the Souder Cemetery in Wasola. Bob Hampton officiated. 

E.J died Feb. 23, with his family by his side.

He was born May 19, 1935, in Ocie, to Isaac Edd and Charlcie Ellen (Coulter) Hampton.

He was raised in Ocie, but his family moved to Brixey when their farm was taken due to the development of Bull Shoals Lake. 

E.J. was a 1955 graduate of Gainesville High School.

On May 2, 1958, E.J. and Faye Cook were married at the Church of Christ in Gainesville. Together they were blessed with four daughters: Edwina, Ronda, Sheila and Shanda.

E.J. worked as a dairy and beef farmer for many years. He and Faye worked hard on the farm. 

He served as minister of the Souder Church of Christ where he and Faye ministered for 65 years. E.J.’s  dedication and love for his community and beyond was evident. He and Faye served with joy. 

He also was caretaker of the Souder Cemetery for numerous years. In addition, he served as a board member for the Farm Service Association (FSA).

In E.J.’s younger years he loved to go to auctions, coon hunting, white bass fishing, gardening, bird watching and visiting with members of his community. 

He adored his family. He will be greatly missed, and his love for the Lord and people will never be forgotten.

E.J. is survived by his four daughters and their husbands: Edwina and Harold Welch, Ronda and Mike McCarty, Sheila and Steve Thomas and Shanda and Ron Allen; 16 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; one great-great-great-grandson; two brothers: Robert Hampton and Tommy Hampton; two sisters: Carma Frazier and Almeda Wyman; nieces; nephews; extended family; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his little sister, Betty Lou; his brother, Troy Hampton, his sister, Imogene Grisham; his wife, Faye; grandsons, Marty Welch and Cody Thomas; and a great-grandson, Luke Thomas.

​The family requests that memorials be made to Souder Cemetery at the funeral home or Town & Country Bank in Ava.  Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com.