of Little Rock, AR

March 30, 1933 - December 27, 2024

Earl Dean Hillard

March 30, 1933 December 27, 2024

Earl Hillard was a good, kind, and dear man. He never met a stranger, and was the first to welcome a newcomer. He was always happy to help in any situation whatever the need. He had joy in his heart and a twinkle in his eyes. Family and friends will forever remember his kindness, compassion and positive nature.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 25 at 2:00 pm at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 12415 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, AR, including music at 1:30 pm, Holy Communion at 2:00 pm followed by Air Force Military Honors Service, and internment in the church's columbarium. Visitation and Reception at approximately 3:30 pm following internment. Earl's family invites you to join in all components of the afternoon or participate as your schedule permits.

Earl was born in Casey, Illinois, and his family later moved to Cisne, Illinois. Earl joined the United States Air Force in 1951 and after 20 years of service he retired in 1971 as a Senior Master Sergeant. His last station was the Pentagon in Washington D.C. It was his military retirement that brought him back to Arkansas, a place that he loved for its natural beauty. As a civilian Earl enjoyed a career in computing services first at University of Arkansas Medical Sciences and later at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Earl loved the outdoors and was an avid hiker, canoeist, and camper. He was a long time member of The Arkansas Canoe Club, The Ozark Society, and helped to build a section of the Buffalo River Trail. Earl enjoyed gardening and was a Master Gardner volunteer. He was a volunteer firefighter of West Pulaski Fire Department Station Four. Throughout his life Earl was a handyman and enjoyed tinkering, fixing, and building.

A long-time member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church, he served multiple terms as a Vestry member, and was a member of the Pastoral Care Ministry Team. His faith was strengthened through service in the Episcopal Cursillo Movement in Arkansas. Earl did not simply talk about his faith, but rather, he lived it through worship, selfless service, and igniting the love of Christ in others.

Of all of the things that he loved in this life, Earl loved his wife, Millie, with great joy and devotion. Wherever Earl was Millie was close by, and vice versa. It was always Earl and Millie, Millie and Earl.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents Charles E. Hillard and Inez M. Robinson Hillard.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mildred Nesbit Hillard, his children Cheryl Hillard Markham (Jay) and Duke Hillard (Faustine), stepsons Mason Murphey and Beau Murphey (Lee), and grandchildren Aidan Murphey and Sabrina Murphey. Also survived by his brother Durward Hillard (Becky), and treasured caregivers Alison Rodgers and Kitty Koon.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to St. Michael's Episcopal Church (saintmichaelslr.org), The Ozark Society (ozarksociety.net/donate/), West Pulaski Fire Department Station Four (wpfirerescue.org), and Camp Mitchell (campmitchell.org/give).

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Daniel Funeral Home
411 East Race Avenue
Searcy, AR  72145
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com