Berbon "Bubba" Eugene Sullivan

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Service Schedule
Chapel
First United Methodist Church
502 Porter Street
Helena, AR  72342
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
2:00 p.m.
Memorial Contributions
First United Methodist Church
502 Porter St.
Helena, AR  72342


Sonny Blues Society/Blues Aide
319 Phillips St.
Helena, AR  72342

Berbon "Bubba" Eugene Sullivan

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.




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29 Condolence(s)
Patti Hale Medlin
Southaven, MS
Liked
Wednesday, September 8, 2021

So sorry to learn of Bubba's death. I knew him thru my late husband, James (Humko) Medlin. All those who went to Elaine High School remained friends thru the years. I met and knew many including Bubba. He always called me by name any time I saw him. He will be missed by many. But the memories live on.

SAMUEL T SULLIVAN
Austin, TX
Liked
Thursday, August 26, 2021

Bubba will always be loved and missed! I have few regrets in life, but not telling Bubba good bye will always be at the top of my list. RIP my sweet cousin. God bless and keep you Kathy.

Judy “Bingo” Tipton
Clarendon, AR
Liked
Thursday, August 26, 2021

So many memories…From him singing Stormy Monday at the Varsity Club to working with him at Blues Corner. Such a sweet person that always had a big hug and a story to tell. I never quit having you in my thoughts even though we fell out of touch. You taught me so much of the Blues music and the love of the Delta. I’ll think of you every early October when you reigned over The Blues Fest my friend. You will always be missed. Judy Bingo

Dell Clark
Tunica, MS
Liked
Wednesday, August 25, 2021

RIP ole friend...your wit, knowledge and humor will be missed by all that knew you.

Keith Cannon
STAFFORD, TX
Liked
Wednesday, August 25, 2021

I count myself as one of the fortunate ones to have stopped in on a weekday at his cool shop and have him tell me some great blues stories from his personal experiences. Thanks Bubba, you will be missed.

Ricky Tinsley and family
West Helena, AR
Liked
Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends.

Durwood and Debby King
Helena, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Bubba was the best of Helena and Phillips County. He was thoughtful, funny, kind, and a friend to everyone.

Scott and Julie Strayhirn
Helena, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Bubba will surely be missed! He made the days brighter. Heaven is playing Blues music now!! Condolences to Kathy.

Kelly Namour
Heber Springs, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 24, 2021

RIP Bubba.....You were a class act...

Richard D Bloesch
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Matthew 25:23

Mike Kelly
The Woodlands, TX
Liked
Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Prayers for Kathy and family as they go thru this stressful time. God is in control and will provide the strength. Bubba is gone but certainly will not be forgotten. He was a huge good will ambassador for Helena for many years in a very positive way. I have one of his famous Bubba’s Blues Corner T shirts.”It reads, “I may not be famous , but my store is.” Bubba was a humble person, and the shirt should read he and his store were both famous. He was well known throughout Arkansas as well as America and Europe. Bubba kept the light burning for Helena and his love for the Blues brought many folks to Helena in October. “May you Rest In Peace good friend”. You leave us with many fond memories. Heaven’s gain, our loss.

Keith Moomey
Prescott, AZ
Liked
Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Bubba will always be remembered as an ambassador for delta blues and the King Biscuit Blues Festival. His passion for the music and the festival will be remembered around the world. I will truly miss our regular phone conversations and his friendship. Bubba will be missed as he was loved…greatly.

Ed Slater
Benton, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Hi Ms.Kathy, I’ll never forget meeting Bubba at a Delbert McClinton show at Horseshoe in Tunica many years ago. Or the time we spent with Robert Plant in Little Rock several years ago. Bubba was so well connected to his city and in the music industry. Rest easy old friend Ed Slater

Houston Stackhouse, Jr.
Helena, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 24, 2021

My "Blues Brother", you will always be in my heart & my mind. I will not forget you. I hope all that has met you will not forget what you stood for.

MARY JO and CHARLES BOSWELL
REIDSVILLE, NC
Liked
Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Stay strong. So sorry I can't be with you. Love you, MJ

Paul Thorn Band
Sulligent, AL
Liked
Tuesday, August 24, 2021

We were all lucky & grateful to have Bubba in our lives. I'll miss his heart, passion, and friendship. The world is a little less bright without him. Proud to have called him my friend, he was one of the good guys. Miss you brother.

Terry Smith
Cherokee Village, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 24, 2021

I’ll never forget the many days I spent hours combing through the music at Bubba’s Blues Corner back in the day. I never knew what I’d find or what blues legend might walk through the door. There was always one in there for sure, Bubba.
Happy to have made a friend. Rest Easy.
🎶💙🎶

Liz Lottmann
Bella Vista, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Deepest sympathy to all of Bubba's family. I'm only one of Bubba's multitude of friends. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

Peggy Wiggins
West Helena, AR
Liked
Monday, August 23, 2021

So sorry to hear about Bubba. My prayers are with his family. He was a kind person with many friends and an asset to our town. He will be missed by many.

Gabby Hays
Lyon, MS
Liked
Monday, August 23, 2021

Bubba Wine will FOREVER BE IN OUR HEARTS!!!

Stephanie Potter
Gurdon, AR
Liked
Monday, August 23, 2021

So sorry to hear about his passing. We always looked forward to seeing him at the Blues Fest every year. He was a great man and his vision for Helena made the Biscuit what it is today!! He will surely be missed! Praying for his wife, family and his many friends. ❤🙏

Tom Naile
Gulf Breeze, FL
Liked
Monday, August 23, 2021

Great classmate, great athlete and great friend.

Tony Naile
Brentwood, TN
Liked
Monday, August 23, 2021

We're very sad to have lost Bubba, but the memories will last forever. Bubba and Mr. Junior did a lot for many of us kids at Elaine. Bubba is thought of mostly for his love for music, I remember him also for being a very good 4 sport athlete.

Valerie Wilkinson McMickle
Paragould, AR
Liked
Sunday, August 22, 2021

I was so sorry to hear about Bubba. Been knowing Jaimie all my life. Will sure miss getting to see him! RIP Bubba!

Carol Ragsdale
Heber Springs, AR
Liked
Sunday, August 22, 2021

Bubba and Kathy made Helena a better place to live. It saddens me to know Helena has lost another positive influence on the community.

Janie Scaife
Hot Springs Village, AR
Liked
Sunday, August 22, 2021

Bubba will be so missed, Kathy so sorry for your loss.

Ken Yancey
Jonesboro, AR
Liked
Sunday, August 22, 2021

Helena, Arkansas has lost the best representative of our fair city that we have every had. Bubba was Mr. King Biscuit Blues, and was known world wide. Many people will miss Bubba. I have lost a good friend. Rest In Peace my friend.

Lynette Burt Murphy
Jonesboro, AR
Liked
Sunday, August 22, 2021

Kathy, I am so sorry to see the loss of Bubba. What a dear kind man. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love to you. 💞❤️

Bo and Jill Leslie
Palm Bay, FL
Liked
Sunday, August 22, 2021

What an impact he had on Helena and blues music. He proved you don't have to be a politician to improve your town or a musician to contribute to the genre.