Anderson “Andy” Hewitt Lumpkin

Anderson “Andy” Hewitt Lumpkin, 86, passed away Tuesday, November 12, 2019 in Dallas, Texas.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda Marie Beeson Lumpkin of Forney, Texas; son Michael John Lumpkin and wife Jeanette of Garland, Texas and their children Drew Pollard and wife Addie of Fort Worth, Texas and Kaitlin Lumpkin of Garland, Texas; son Gregory Joseph Lumpkin and wife Dawn of Athens, Texas and John Paul Lumpkin and his son Kevin Michael Lumpkin. He is also survived by special foster children Marsha Poer, Marla Baker, and Kenny and Tracy Thompson; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, including Sky Beeson Gold and husband Ronnie Gold of Eustace, Texas and their children Christine, Sean, James and Hailey; nephew Steven Wayne Beeson of Tyler, Texas and his children Rowan and Wayne Avery; nephew Gordan Stitt of The Sky Ranch, California and niece Caroll Stitt of San Francisco, California .

He was preceded in death by his grandson Roger Wade Lumpkin, his brother William C. Lumpkin, Jr. and his children Chris Lumpkin and Ginger Bill Monts and sister Hazel Hargett Stitt and her husband Burtt Stitt and their son Jeff Stitt.

Andy was born in Texarkana, Texas to William Clerance Lumpkin, Sr. and Hazel Hargett Lumpkin, where he was raised and graduated high school in 1950.

After he graduated from Texarkana High School, he continued his education and received his Bachelor’s Degree and, later, his Master’s Degree in Mathematics and Philosophy in 1960 and become a Doctorate Candidate at the University of Texas in Austin while teaching at The University of Texas in Austin. He also taught at East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas, where he met his wife, Linda Marie Beeson. Andy and Linda were engaged in the Spring of 1965 and were married July 2, 1966 at First Baptist Church of Eustace, Texas.

In 1970, they moved to Abilene, Texas and he began teaching at McMurry College of Abilene, Texas. During their time living in Abilene, they were foster parents to many children before they moved to Forney, Texas in 1977. Once they relocated to their final family home, Andy took a teaching position at Skyline High School in Dallas, Texas, while simultaneously teaching at Eastfield Community College as a math professor.

Not only did Andy have a passion for mathematics and teaching, but a love for the game of chess. He learned to play at the age of 13 from his older brother, who himself learned while with the American Army of Occupation in Japan. He perfected his skill by playing against Joe Zaremba, who was a refugee from East Germany and rented lodging from Andy’s parents. As an adult, he competed in many chess tournaments and competitions, and also taught beginning and intermediate chess classes at his local YMCA and McMurry College. He achieved a national rating as a Class A Player and was a lifetime member with American Chess Federation.

Andy had a firm belief that there was a definite relationship between math and chess, but that it also carried over into music. He was an accomplished musician, beginning piano lessons at the age of 13 and continuing them for six years. Shortly after he began his lessons, he became interested in composing his own work and continued to compose piano pieces inspired by those around him, such as his niece Ginger Bill, his son John Paul and granddaughter Katlin. He recorded several of his pieces and even placed copyrights on a few songs that he wrote, such as “When You Come Again” and “Will You Believe Me.” A ndy had several other hobbies. He loved to play checkers and backgammon if he couldn’t get you to play chess. He took Tai Chi lessons and achieved a rank of black belt. He enjoyed amateur photography and telling an occasional joke and many punishing puns. Andy fought to instill an appreciation for all the things that he loved into his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and he leaves behind many fond memories for everyone who had the honor of knowing him.

The funeral services were Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home in Athens, and interment at Cottonwood Cemetery in Eustace, Texas with Lee Flowers officiating.