of Mountain View, AR
February 27, 1940 - June 27, 2025
Mountain View, Arkansas
David Weikal Bickerstaff, 85, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, in Mountain View, Arkansas. He was born on February 27, 1940, in Moro (Lee County), Arkansas, to the late Dorothy Weikal and Robert Taylor ''Pete'' Bickerstaff.
David graduated from T.A. Futrall High School in Marianna, Arkansas, in 1958. He went on to attend Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama, and the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in Oxford. He later earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi, where he met his beloved wife of 58 years, Charlotte.
In 1965, David began his career with Riceland Foods in Stuttgart, Arkansas, where he rose through the ranks to become Vice President of Commodity Operations, serving the company with dedication for 31 years. He was a member of the Arkansas Drier and Warehouse Association, where he held various offices, including President. He was also active in the National Grain and Feed Association, serving on the Arbitration Committee and as a member of the Board of Directors.
During the 1960s and 1970s, David was an active member of the Dumas and Stuttgart Jaycees, where he held several leadership positions, including Chairman. He was also involved with the Sports Car Club of America, which sponsored the Grand Prairie Grand Prix sports car races, and was elected President of the organization in 1973. In addition, he was a dedicated member of the Lions Clubs in both Dumas and Stuttgart, serving on the Board of Directors.
In the 1970s, David's parents built a house on the White River in Mountain View, and it didn't take long for it to feel like home to him. After retiring from Riceland Foods, he made the move to Mountain View for good. He spent many evenings on the porch with close friends and family, enjoying the view of the river, swapping stories, laughing, and soaking in the peacefulness of it all.
Lovingly known as ''Bud,'' David leaves behind a legacy of kindness, quiet strength, and a deep love for the outdoors. Bud was a sweet soul who found joy in the simple things especially fishing on the White River, a place he cherished. His gentle presence and love for nature touched all who knew him. He was a wonderful grandfather, patiently teaching his grandchildren many of life's lessons chief among them, how to fish and appreciate the natural world. His warm heart and the memories shared by the water will live on in all who loved him. He will be dearly missed.
David was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, attending congregations in Dumas, Stuttgart, and Mountain View. He held a special interest in the Arkansas and American Heart Associations, as well as the Arkansas and Arkansas County Food Bank.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert Dale Bickerstaff of Jackson, Mississippi; and his nephew, Joseph Taylor Kern. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Pace Bickerstaff; his daughters, Gretchen Bickerstaff of Mountain View and Piper Bickerstaff Jansen of Little Rock; and his beloved grandchildren, Benjamin Pace Jansen and his wife Caroline of Newport, and Julia Ann Jansen of Chicago, Illinois. He is also survived by his sister, Helen Bickerstaff Jones of Little Rock. David is lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews: Susan and her husband Stuart Jones of Little Rock, and their children, Lily Jones of Little Rock and Lance Jones of Fayetteville; Elliott Bickerstaff and his wife Rachel of Madison, Mississippi, and their son Matthew; Dale Bickerstaff Walker of Bremerton, Washington; and Meg Bickerstaff Cooper and her husband Bubba. He was a great-uncle to Stephen Cooper and his wife Rebecca of Anguilla, Mississippi, and their children, Ellie, Pate, and Sam; and to Ashley Cooper Carroll and her husband Nate of Sumrall, Mississippi, and their children, Cooper and Cate.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 11 at 1pm , at First United Methodist Church, 116 Jefferson Street, Mountain View, Arkansas.
Memorials may be made to: Arkansas Food Bank, 4301 West 65th, Little Rock, AR 72209 or American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284