Johnnie Vanderpool

Johnnie Paul Vanderpool, 79, died November 14, 2025, in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Born in the log church in Lurton, Arkansas on December 31, 1945, to Earl Madison Vanderpool and Lillie Clementine (Hefley) Vanderpool, he was the second of five children.

He was raised in a pious and musical family, went to school at Deer and enlisted in the Navy in 1967.

In February 1969, the KA-3B Skywarrior mysteriously crashed at sea leading to the disappearance of a naval aviator and two naval crewmen. Upon this event, John was immediately deployed to Vietnam where he spent five months in active duty aboard the USS Ranger. After finishing his final mission in the Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 134 (Tacelecwaron), he received the following honors before discharge: National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for Korea; Cuban Crisis Medal; 7 ribbons; Vietnam Service Medal with 1 bronze star for meritorious service.

When he returned to the United States in August 1969, he became involved in the music scene of the Pacific Northwest visiting Seattle, Vancouver, and other areas to play music. In the 1970's, he started his career as a professional musician, playing bass for Charlie Rich during his "Most Beautiful Girl" era. He made many friends in the music industry in Nashville and Los Angeles and later worked as a studio musician before joining with Mel Tillis in the 1990's to play in Branson. He was also an accomplished singer, songwriter and acoustic guitarist in his own right, and he wrote hundreds of songs that his family still enjoy to this day. In the 2010's, he and his son, Skylar, attended various events, decorations, weddings, festivals, and churches in the region to play music by request. John both honed and passed down the gift of music that was such an important element of his heritage and legacy to Skylar, who continues as a pianist and vocalist.

Soon after his military service, John acquired a farm on Richland Creek and spent his life building a house there. It has served not only as the place where he fathered his children, but also as the place where he cultivated his passion for husbandry raising horses, cattle, rabbits, chickens, peacocks, pets, and even buffalo at one time. He played music in his quiet downtime at the farm and taught all his children to drive in the field and swim in the creek long before the age of 5. He was the quintessential mountain man.

He also spent many nights in Lurton with his mother, Lillie Vanderpool, after his father, Earl, passed away in 1989. Many special memories that the whole family cherishes were born at the farm at Richland Creek as well as at Gran's house.

Later in life, John moved to a farm closer to Lurton and continued his farming and ranching endeavors until a stroke felled him, and the Lord called him home soon after.

He was the definition of family-oriented and loved all his family members deeply. He was always there for them in their time of need, whether they needed a place to stay or a car to drive. He experienced a lot of pain and separation in his life that he channeled through music and dreams for the future. He treasured his children and prayed for them multiple times per day, even at the very end of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Lillie Vanderpool; brother Tommy Earl Vanderpool; daughter Jamin Vanderpool; and sister Nina Hull.

He is survived by his son, Skylar Vanderpool; daughters, Megan Vanderpool and Mechan Vanderpool and grandson, Hudson Vanderpool; sister, Becky Haney (Sonny); brother, Joe Vanderpool (Tammy); nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The visitation was held Friday, November 21, 2025, at Russellville Family Funeral, 2757 East Parkway Dr., Russellville, AR 72802.

Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Lurton Assembly of God church with a preceding visitation starting at 12 p.m. noon.

Burial will follow at Tarlton Cemetery with military honors. Rev. Dean Caldwell and Rev. Stan Taylor will officiate.

A dinner will be hosted at the Lurton Assembly of God Fellowship Hall after the graveside service.

In his own words: "Know that I never stopped loving life and all the blessings bestowed upon me, I truly cherish. There were some things I never could figure… some of them about myself." – John Vanderpool

Arrangements entrusted to the caring staff of Russellville Family Funeral

Online obituary and guestbook may be found at www.russellvillefamily funeral.com.