of West Helena, AR

August 18, 2021

Berbon Eugene Sullivan, "Bubba Wine and now Bubba" born on August 5, 1940 at the old Helena Hospital, passed away peacefully at Springhill Baptist Hospital in North Little Rock, Arkansas at 9:58 p.m. on Wednesday, August 18, 2021.

Predeceased by his mother, Lucille Smith Sullivan; his father, Berbon Silas Sullivan and his sister, Ginger Ellvey. He also leaves behind several of his closest friends along with the many friends he has made all over the United States and the world.

Bubba leaves behind his loving wife of 41 years, Katherine Morgan Sullivan; his aunt Sissy Orbin Smith of Chicago; niece, Suzanne McLeod of Fayetteville, Arkansas; nephews, Joey Ellzey and Jay Ellzey from Kansas.

Bubba was raised in Elaine and Wabash, Arkansas. While in Wabash, he worked in a country store. A big truck would make deliveries and on that truck was Sonny Boy Williamson's band playing the blues. This began his love of the blues and at that time he worked on the farm and would go to local clubs and churches to listen to the blues and gospel. He then worked for Jacobs Candy Company on Old Town Lake in Lakeview, AR. He returned to farming with his father for Howe Lumber Company until the farm was sold. Around 1975 Sin City Cookouts began. Bubba moved to West Helena and shared a house with several friends which was dubbed Sin City by one their parents. This was where Bubba along with several close friends were inspired to create a festival. He married his wife Kathy in 1979 and she encouraged him to dream big. In 1986 combined their love of the blues and antiques and opened Bubba's Blues Corner and This Little Pig Antiques. Bubba was one of the founders of Sonny Boy Blues Society which later led to Helena's world-famous, King Biscuit Blues Festival. He has been the emcee of every blues festival introducing many famous artists such as; Bobby Rush, Son Seals, Johnny Copeland, James Harmon, Robert Jr Lockwood, Frank Frost, Reba Russell, B.B King, Bonnie Raitt, Pinetop Perkins, Kim Wilson, Anson Funderberg, Paul Thorn and many others just to mention a few.

Bubba lovingly cared for his mother and his wife until he went to be with our Lord. He was also a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Helena.

Services will be held on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Helena Methodist Church. Immediately after the service, there will be a celebration of Bubba's life at the American Legion Hut on Porter Street across from the church. Brother Charles Langford and Brother Buddy Hamner will officiate.

Pallbearers are Chicago Charlie, Houston Stackhouse, Jr., Jimmy Gordon, Jack Horner, Tap Jennings, Gregg Cook, Otto Preus, and Richard Frazier.

Honorary pallbearers are Gill Pillow, Jack Pillow, Jim Rose, Bobby Rush, Paul Thorn, Anson Funderburg, Vance Montgomery, Larry Hamilton, Sterling Billingsley, Eddie Pyron, Edmond Waters, Ralph Waters, Jim Sugg, Ray Tucker, Butch Wilson, Jay Sheffield, David Griffin, Rob Porter, Tony Naile, John Cleary, Tommy Galloway and the Kentucky Head Hunters.

Memorials may be mailed to the First United Methodist Church of Helena at 502 Porter St. Helena, Arkansas, 72342 or Sonny Boy Blues Society/Blues Aide at 319 Phillips St. Helena, Arkansas, 72342.

Services are directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870)-572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
508 East Plaza Street
West Helena, AR  72390
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com