Willard Stimpson, the father, the husband, and the son, fondly known as "Stimp" to many, did not have to go to school to learn how to be great, to lead, or to serve. He was born with it and nurtured by it. He served as a mentor, connector, philanthropist, and friend to many.

He was born in Plano, TX and valued education. He graduated with his smarts as the valedictorian from Plano Colored High School. His journey for his career and love of pharmacy began during his service in the Army in the medical clinic and pharmacy unit. He challenged himself to complete the formal pharmacy program in May 1967 and passed the Texas State Board in June of that year.

Throughout his career, he was dedicated as a pharmacist serving his community and a trailblazer. He started at Skillerns Drugs and All Saints Hospital. Later he became the first black pharmacist hired to work for Methodist Hospital. Upon leaving hospital pharmacy, he returned to retail, working for several companies, including Kmart, and Wards Drugs. At Target, he was the first black pharmacist hired in the city of Dallas.

In 1981, his entrepreneurship and commitment to serve led to the opening of Cut Rate Pharmacy, a beacon of light for the community in West Dallas. Through the doors of 3528 North Hampton Road, many learned a lesson or two about life while getting their "scripts" filled. In 2015, he retired from his daily routine as the owner of Cut Rate and began a career as a relief pharmacist for local agencies.

He was loved by many and created family and community with many organizations and groups. However, he was most proud and loyal to his beloved Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity and his Alma Mater, Texas Southern University. In October 2017, he celebrated his 50th class reunion at TSU during the homecoming game with great pride and joy.

Mr. Stimpson has given countless hours of time and leadership to various local, state and civic organizations. He volunteered with K-12 schools through Dallas Independent School District (DISD) and the Dallas Harambee Organization. His service on committees and boards included the Lyon's Club, the Bishop Dunne Parents Association, DISD High School Boards and the Dallas YMCA board. He was the first black president of the Dallas Pharmaceutical Society. Stimp was appointed by the former governor George W. Bush and reappointed under Governor Rick Perry to serve on the Juneteenth Board. As the recipient of many awards, honors, and recognition, worthy of note are his Lifetime Achievement Award from the Urban League and City of Dallas Proclamation.

Stimp credited his success to his parents, AJ and Doll Stimpson. His mother and father stressed the importance of education, learning, and leadership, "Be independent so you can lean on yourself and not have to ask others for help." As a parent to his children and surrogate parent to the youth who ever needed him, he would advise, "Never give up, but always give out." Of all his accomplishments, none surpass the marriage to the love of his life, Mrs. Sophia Jessie Stimpson. She was a classmate and 1967 graduate of the TSU School of Pharmacy. The stars aligned and to this union, two beautiful and talented daughters were born who were his pride and joy. The oldest, Jennifer Carol Stimpson, M.S., followed in her parent's footsteps to become a scientist and STEM advocate. She is a science teacher at the Hockaday School, Dallas, TX and completing doctoral studies at the University of Pennsylvania inspired by her parents' dedication to continuous learning. Younger daughter Natalie Noele Stimpson, DDS, pursued her parents' commitment to medicine and community health through a career in dentistry. As an entrepreneur like her father, she owned dental clinics in the southern sector of Dallas.

Many loved Stimp, and all will cherish him for time to come. Countless members of the Dallas Community and beyond have been touched by his wisdom, love, support, and guidance. He never hesitated to lend himself to help others in their pursuit to become better. He is truly one of a kind. He leaves behinds his immediate family, and sister, Eleanor Evans of Plano, and a host of dear close friends, family, extended family, customers, mentees, and a legacy of love and service to honor his memory.

Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.