David Reid Springer

Following a courageous battle with esophageal cancer over the last four months, David Reid Springer, 70, died on September 7, 2024. 

Reid was born on November 28, 1953, to Cliff Springer, Jr. and Lexa Lumpkin Springer. He is survived by his son, James Mark Springer, by his brother, Rev. Clif (Brenda) Springer, by his uncle Bill (Julie) Springer, and by his aunt Carolyn Springer. Other surviving family includes numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, as well as long-time supportive friends such as Dana Beggs, Casey Rambo, and Tom Nordengrin. 

His enduring friendship with his former wife Lisa House, mother of their son, Mark, remained strong. Notably, Reid was reconnected with his long-time former girlfriend, Terri Brannon, after he was diagnosed and she provided unwavering care, love, and companionship through the very end of his life.

Reid's educational path shines brightly, starting with his 1972 graduation from Central High School and continuing with a merit-based scholarship to Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana for classical guitar. Reid loved all types of music, including flamenco guitar. He played with the same technique that flamenco guitarists use, playing or plucking each string to play a note or a chord separately, as opposed to using a pick or strumming. There is a distinct sound that he made that was uniquely his. His creative essence was in harmony with his impressive musical capabilities, as his guitar artistry and exploration of varied sounds afforded him immense pleasure through playing, writing music/lyrics and singing. He said many times that "music was his life.” While he enjoyed classical and flamenco guitar, his true love was playing the folk, Americana, blues and country ballads that were put out by his mentors. His style was unique and he could play just about anything, and in any fashion asked of him. Music was his life and he had a great passion for it. 

Furthermore, Reid demonstrated exceptional woodworking skills, crafting interesting pieces featuring intricate carving, beautiful wood inlay, and unique designs. His wooden boxes, clocks and spoons were a big hit.

Reid spent most of his working life with the family's highly regarded commercial painting business. His generous spirit and dedication to supporting others led to long-standing involvement in central Arkansas' recovery community, including a board membership with Friends of Recovery Foundation.

Reid's love for the great outdoors shone brightly through his camping adventures in the breathtaking Natural State and sacred Native American lands of the southwestern US. His hikes along the Ouachita National Forest Trail and moments on Buffalo National River will forever be etched in memory. 

Reid also loved animals and treated them like family. He thought that 'mules', short for 'animules' as he referred to them, brought happiness and love to a home. He had a great deal of respect for all animals. Reid's cherished companions throughout his life were mainly dogs – Doc Holiday, Kiva, and his beloved Hank. Most recently, Terri brought a 10-month-old ginger kitty to live with them. Reid named him Curly Jo and he brought much comfort, love and snuggles to the home and even visited Reid at the hospital in his final days. Curly Jo lovingly followed Reid to the Rainbow Bridge, just three days after Reid's passing, symbolizing the unbreakable bond they shared.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate nurses of the Palliative Care Unit at VA Hospital Little Rock for their exceptional care. 

A celebration of Reid's life will be held at 2 pm at Calvary Baptist Church, 612 Valley View Rd., Benton, AR on September 28, 2024, officiated by his brother, Rev. Clif Springer. 

All who knew and loved Reid are welcome to attend.