Local athletes, coaches, and families turn out to honor Andy Lunsford during balloon release

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By: Luke Matheson

Approximately 100 people gathered Wednesday evening at DBat SeArk in White Hall to honor the life of Andy Lunsford, a co-owner of the business, after he was tragically killed in a three-car accident in Pulaski County on New Year’s Eve.

Those in attendance included youth baseball and softball players and members of both the White Hall High School baseball and softball teams.

White Hall baseball head coach Shane Harp said that Lunsford did a lot to help the Bulldog baseball program.

“I know one thing, he opened [DBat] up to us when there was bad weather,” said Harp. “He did this for both the baseball and the softball programs. He would let us hit, pitch, and field. He was just one of those guys that was here for the community, and I really do appreciate that.”

Harp said that Lunsford would open up the facility for the baseball program when school was out to help them prepare for games in the spring.

“He would open up for us when we were out of school and we needed them to go hit,” said Harp. “He would open up DBat for us to come and practice before we went to the state tournament for a couple of hours every day, and it really meant a lot to us, and it helped us succeed that year. That’s what Andy was all about, just helping the kids and helping the White Hall program.”

The White Hall Lady Bulldog softball team has also been able to take advantage of the facility, and head coach Mark Akins said he is equally appreciative of Lunsford’s efforts.

“It is hard to sum up what Andy means to me,” said Akin. “Obviously he was a leader in the community. One of my main memories of him was seeing him and his daughter Izzy coming to a lot of volleyball games and softball games because she does both of those, and she excels at both of them. Just to see the love he had for the community and how he would invest shows what kind of person he was. This facility is an example that shows not just what he did for the love of sports, but for kids in general. His example as a leader in the community just blew me away. It was exceptionable.”

Akin said he is doing all he can to embrace Lunsford’s children during this tragic time.

“With me being a teacher at the school Izzy goes to, I told her if there is anything she needs, she knows where my room is,” said Akin. “Come find me if you just need to get away or if you need to come talk, just come find me. I’m there for you. The same goes for his other children. We are going to be there for them.”

Lunsford not only was a co-owner of DBat SeArk, but also owned Lunsford & Associates Realty Company, in addition to being a senior member of the White Hall City Council.

Earlier this week Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. released a statement about Lunsford.

“I am deeply saddened to have learned of the untimely death of White Hall City Council member, Community leader, and businessman Andy Lunsford,” said Woods, Jr. “Even in death, Council member Lunsford will long be remembered as a uniquely gifted and deeply principled leader. It is my strong belief that he was the embodiment of human dignity, care, and compassion. I express my deepest sympathy and condolences to family, Mayor Noel Foster, and the entire White Hall City Council, while remembering the many contributions of Council member Lunsford to the citizens of White Hall and Jefferson County.”

White Hall Mayor Noel Foster said that Lunsford was more than just a businessman and council member, he was a friend.

“Andy was just a long-time friend, first of all,” said Foster. “He was a long-time businessman and a long-time council member. This was just such a tragedy. These kind of tragedies happen every day in different areas, but in a small community like ours it is personal. It is just a tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this time.”

Lunsford was slated to begin a new term on the White Hall City Council on January 1, and Foster said they are having to determine how to fill his vacant position.

“I have the city attorney researching that right now,” said Foster. “The laws, they change a lot, so we want to be sure that whatever we do is what we are supposed to do. He was just beginning this term, so there is a full term left. The city attorney is researching to determine if it requires an appointment, or a special election.”

Funeral services for Lunsford were held Wednesday morning at First Baptist Church of White Hall.

Any memorials in memory of Lunsford may be made to First Baptist Church of White Hall, 8708 Dollarway Road, White Hall, AR 71602.