William “Bill” Pippin Jr. March 29, 1939 - December 27, 2021

Mr. William “Bill” Vernon Pippin Jr., age 82, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, December 27, 2021 in Little Rock, AR. His children will be hosting a celebration of life “happy hour” and would like to invite anyone who wants to stop by to please join them in honoring the life of William “Poppa” Pippin at, Sips Restaurant, 4580 Gretna Road, Branson, Mo, 65616 on January 1, 2022 from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. There will also be another celebration of life service that will take place at later date in Jacksonville, Florida.

William Vernon Pippin Jr. was born on Wednesday, March 29th, 1939, in Knoxville, TN. but was raised in Jacksonville, Florida. After he married his loving wife, they ended up settling in Nashville, TN. and lived there for over twenty years while he worked in the music industry. The last thirty years of his life, he resided in Branson, Missouri.

He served in the United States Army Band and also attended Florida State University. He earned two Master’s degrees and served in the Marching Chiefs band where he boasted, “they never lost a half-time show”.

William had a very long winding music career. He was a successful songwriter, had several achievements with Danny Davis and the Nashville Brass. They won a Grammy in 1969, won six consecutive CMA’s, and in 1979 they were named the instrumental group of the decade. He also had over 100 television appearances, became a member of NARAS, was the musical director for Mel Tillis, played trumpet with Boots Randolph during the 80’s, toured with Glen Campbell, and one of his greatest accomplishments was playing at Carnegie Hall with the St. Johns River City Band (out of Jacksonville, Florida).

He is survived by his wife of fifty eight years, Margaret F. Pippin; two sons, William and wife, Misty, and Brent and wife, Dawn; two daughters, Amanda and Bethany; grandchildren, Charles Daniel, Courtney, Taylor, Hannah, Mackenzee, Dylan, Lucas, Noah, Alexander, and Abby who loving named him “Poppa” Pippin, and one great-grandson, Josiah.

Poppa loved his family. He had a smile and laugh that would light up any room he was in. He also had a kind spirit and always had a sweet disposition that allowed him to talk to anyone, anywhere. He enjoyed Wheel of Fortune, reading books while sitting in the sun, fishing, family time, and was always open to celebrate any happy hour.