of Harrison, AR
July 24, 1929 - September 17, 2017
Hershel Thomas Sullivan, age 88, of Harrison, Arkansas, passed peacefully from this life Sunday, September 17, 2017, at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Okemah, Oklahoma July 24, 1929, the son of Coy Thomas and Bertha Opal (Gregg) Sullivan. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; and his first wife, Lexie Lee (Treece) Sullivan.
Hershel became a Christian at an early age and became a member at various churches he attended throughout his life. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He then graduated from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville in 1958 and went on to become executive director of the Northwest Regional Housing Authority for 30 years until his retirement in 2004.
Survivors include his wife, Giovanna (Sandri) Sullivan, of Harrison; his sons and daughters-in-law, Timothy and Sarita Sullivan and Gregory Thomas and Susan Sullivan, all of Little Rock; his daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia Jo and Kirk Ferguson of Fayetteville, Arkansas; his step-son and his wife, Mauro and Julie Scardigli, of New Orleans, Louisiana; and one sister, Helen (Sullivan) Griffin, of Harrison.
Hershel is also survived by his grandchildren and their spouses, Coy Thomas and Valerie Sullivan, III, Dr. Cody and Brandy Beight, Kelsey Beight, Carrie Nicole Sullivan, Harryson Cole Sullivan, Lex Thomas Sullivan, Daniel Edward Sullivan, Jessica Lee and Andrew Ball, Hanna Marie Ferguson, Tyler Wayne and Cassie Ferguson and Brandon and Lauren Scardigli; his great-grandchildren, Hannah Grace, Emily Faith, Shelby Hope, Gabriella Presley, Sawyer Pierce, Savannah Claire, Melody Grace, Jackson Tyler, Dylan Andrew Michael, Sophia Lee and Riley; and a host of other family and many dear friends.
Visitation was Wednesday, September 20, 2017, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home in Harrison.
Services for Hershel were Thursday September 21, 2017, at First Baptist Church of Harrison with Bro. Bobby Brown officiating. Graveside service was also Thursday, September 21, 2017, at Marshall Memorial Gardens in Marshall, Arkansas.
Pallbearers were Coy Sullivan, Lex Sullivan, Daniel Sullivan, Cole Sullivan, Mark Griffin, and Jackson Hight.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Hills, PO Box 1927, Harrison, Arkansas, 72602 or the American Cancer Society, 901 N. University, Little Rock, AR 72207.
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Loosing a loved one is never easy. I lost my dad in 2010, and my mom in 2012. After my losses, reading Revelation 21:3,4 gave me real comfort. It says: And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away. I hope reading these verses also give you comfort during this difficult time. GW
Hershel was such a kind man and I enjoyed seeing him in the cafe at NARMC each day. There are so many of us whose lives he touched with his easy smile and happy hello. I won't forget him. My condolences to all of his family and close friends. He'll be missed.
I met Hershel a few years ago. He was such a nice,kind and generous man. He was a good friend of my fathers and I will always be thankful for all the kindness he showed our family. I'll miss our talks. Rest In Peace.
So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and sending comfort in this difficult time.
I work at the hospital. For years Hershel came to the cafeteria for breakfast. We always would visit in line. Super nice man will be missed.
Hershel was a great man. He showed love and kindness to all whom he met. He will be missed. â¤
Our sympathy and prayers for the family