Freddie Lee Ibbotson, Sr., age 81

Freddie Lee Ibbotson, Sr., 81, of Lonoke, Arkansas went to his eternal rest on Monday, July 1, 2024. He was born on November 6, 1942, in North Little Rock, Arkansas to Sherman and Nora Ibbotson. He graduated as part of the Class of 1960 from Buckeye High School in North Little Rock.

Freddie followed in his father’s footsteps and began working in the plumbing trade. He became a master plumber and later a welder and pipefitter with the union. He moved his family to Stuttgart in 1976 and opened his own plumbing business, Ibby Plumbing Co. Later in the 90s, he owned and operated several different businesses which included a pawn shop, bail bondsman service, and a wrecker/towing company before retiring.

His skill set of a plumber /pipe fitter made him a natural fit for the sport of drag racing during the late 50’s through the 60’s.  He and the late family member Jerry Sherman made a great team during this era at all the Dragstrips here in central Arkansas. He built/modified many cars and successfully competed at these facilities. This passion was rekindled with his son in the early 80’s and successfully campaigned with a 1969 Camaro through the 90’s. Him being born in NLR wasn’t familiar with outdoors much but it was his wife MaryJo being born south of Humphrey, AR on Bayou Meto that led him back to her home where he gained his first experience to hunting and he fell in love with the rural lifestyle. It was his father that had introduced him to the sport of golf at an early age, which was rekindled at his age of retirement. He pursued the game with great passion until his health kept him from the game.

Freddie was preceded in death by his parents, Sherman and Nora Tullos Ibbotson. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, MaryJo Johnson Ibbotson, son Freddie Lee Ibbotson Jr. (Regina) of Lonoke, and daughter Carroll Denise Ibbotson Hall (Bobby) of Stuttgart, grandchildren; Taylor Ibbotson (Paige), Parker Ibbotson, Wesley Hall (Rebecca), and Caleb Hall, great grandchildren; Ellie Kate Ibbotson, Anna Blake Ibbotson, Matthew Hall and Brentley Dobson. He loved his family more than words could ever describe or express.

A private gathering for the family only will be held at a future date. Flowers can be sent to his home of 54 Mallard Pt Lonoke, AR 72086 or you can donate to the Gideons International for bibles that will be given in memory of him. Checks can be made out to “The Gideons International” or you can send your credit card information noting a one-time donation. These can be mailed to North Grand Prairie Camp – The Gideons International P.O. Box 751 Lonoke, AR 72086

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com