of Maumelle, AR
September 22, 1942 - March 20, 2024
John Morgan Pollard, Jr., 81, of Maumelle, Arkansas, died Wednesday, March 20, 2024. He was born September 22, 1942 in Little Rock, Arkansas, a son of the late John Morgan and Dorothy Agnes (Hibbard) Pollard, Sr.
John graduated from Central High School in Little Rock. Upon graduation he attended the University of Arkansas. From that adventure he decided to enlist into the U S NAVY.
While in the Navy he was able to visit 18 different countries. He got blessed by the Pope in Vatican Square, rode around with the French Foreign Legion in jeeps covered with chicken wire so any grenades thrown at them would bounce off and not kill them. He crossed the Equator twice, and had many, many other experiences while in service to our country.
After his Naval experiences he took electronics skills from the Navy and made it his field of expertise. He eventually ended up at Digital Equipment Company where he started as a toolbox carrying engineer. He went from being an engineer to training for and becoming a Field Service Manager. In this position he had many engineers work with him and for him. They have since become family and we still celebrate on a pretty regular basis. John was highly respected, trusted and shall I say loved by one and all. John retired as an account manager with Axiom.
He will be missed terribly by his wife Wham and all his family, friends and loved ones.
John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Wilma (Hendrix) Pollard of Maumelle.
Family and Friends are invited to graveside services for Mr. Pollard will be 1:00pm, Friday, May 24, 2024, at Arkansas State Veterans' Cemetery, 1501 West Maryland Avenue, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72120.
Wilma, I'm just seeing this and want you to know I'm very sorry for your loss. Your husband sounds like an amazing man. I'm glad you had so many happy years together and wish you could have had many more. May you feel God's comforting presence as you face each day.
Pollard was a piece of work, a really great guy. His sister Pearl was married to my brother Bobby. We met up for the first time near Boston for training for Digital Equipment Corporation by accident.
Always remember the two of us going to eat lobster in Boston. I'm trying to peel it like a crawfish (yes I'm from New Orleans) and Pollard had his pocket knife out and going at it. The waitress walks by and said we must be from the south. She grabs the lobster away from Pollard, pulls the tail away from the head, rips the tail fins off, straightens it out and shoves her finger threw the end and out pops the meat. We were in awe and just started laughing.
Bless his soul, rest in peace. Hang in there Wham and remember all of the good times.
We love you both,
Tracy, Susan and John
I was greatly blessed to have married John's sister Pearl. Pearl loved her brother so very much and would tell me stories of her and John. As mentioned by my children in their messages in this guestbook he was loved and is missed.
I've missed the many road trips to Little Rock, and the comedy and cocktails that I enjoyed with John in the 20 plus years with DEC, CPQ and HP. In the 20 years since, it was always a treat to get together with Wham and John for the annual crawfish boils at Purvis's. You'll be missed, my friend, and Wham, Peggy and I share in your loss...and celebrate his life.
I remember John as a wonderful person. He was a great fishing guide and camping buddy. I have many great memories of having so much fun with him and Wham. It was an honor to have known him as a friend. Rest in peace to one of the best men I ever knew
John was really a one of kind. He and Wham helped me through my lean years when I had my first real job after college. John always had a joke. I remember playing golf with him and he would hit a golf ball sometimes in the middle of the joke. We would say, did you just hit the ball He replied, yep, I did. John will be missed by so many but I know by Wham the most. Rest well John.
Well, I don’t really know how to say goodbye in writing. I cried on my pillow for 2 hours the night my Daddy gave me the call. He was my dad’s special friend and ran with their crazy misbehaved crowd of about 7.
I know that he and Wham came into my dad’s life when my dad was married and they were friends with my dad’s 2nd wife. Well, the Simmons’s inherited John and Wham during the divorce. God has a way of placing people who FIT together.
I was young when they came into my world and I guess I grew up with them. So many come in go in our lives when we are young, especially when they are your parents friends.
John and Wham never went away. They were always around from those younger years camping at Lake Degray to the 10 later years right back the same spot. Every summer- fishing at 4::30AM and then dear God again at 11PM on the docks waiting for the big boys to hit. Burning hot during the day and then jackets on at night. If I did not love it then boy do I now and how I miss those summers.
Now I was not the chosen one he loved my sister Casey to the moon and back. They drove 5 hours to see her get married and 20 years later drove hours to say Goodbye to her. He probably slipped a cold coors light to her when nobody was looking at the morgue. He was good like that.
He was the man that would drive to the convince store and buy large blocks of ice every 2 hours to put in the kiddie pool that the ladies were sitting in drinking our beverages during the heat of the summer. How fun did we have back then, silly things people don’t even think about doing today.
John Pollard loved his Wham on good and bad days. Geez, he strung that lady along to everything he could get into and Lord I don’t know how she kept up with him. He never stopped even to the end.
He always smiled and laughed even thru the tough times. I can’t look at his memorial picture. He never changed…a hat with that beard and a cold coors light in his hand, oh and I can not forget his laugh “that laugh”.
He was a great man, a real man, honest and strong man. I see him in my heart as a Godly man that always asked for forgiveness and not permission. A man that loved his Wham and was always holding her on a high pedestal.
I will Miss him, my dad will too. Seems like you always wish you had 1 last hug, but I always got hugs from him so I know that last one was there.
I smile when I see him crossing into the gates of heaven and seeing my sister, Casey, she probably had a hat in 1 hand and a cold coors light in the other. She got my hug for me and he got a smile and a good laugh. When I lost my Casey they always said God needed another beautiful flower for his garden and he did when he got her. I laugh when I think those 2 have torn up that garden and made it their way,
a special way that only them and God can see.
I am blessed to have known him, I am grateful he loved me and spread so much joy and love. I thank God that they stuck around to watch me grow up and to see my sister flourish throughout her life. I am happy they chose my dad and that he got them with his divorce.
Fly high John Pollard send us a rainbow every now and again. Keep a tight hold on Wham send her strength to move ahead each day.
I love you and I will miss you deeply.
Johnny, I wish I had lived closer to you so I could have known you better. You were Daddy’s cousin but closer to my age so I always thought of you, Pearl and MV as cousins not second cousins. I always enjoyed talking to you, it seemed you were heading for an adventure or just got back but you always had stories. You are off on your newest adventure, I hope to see you on the other side, just not too soon.
I remember having a blast with uncle Johnny letting me drive his corvette. He also sent me a couple packages while I was in school. I never knew what he would put in there, fuzzy dice, eye drops, beer light, CD or casino tokens, it was so fun! After college I traveled some for work, on of my trips brought me to Little Rock and he was so sweet to take me to dinner. He gave some really good bits of wisdom, here are a few things he told me. "The grass is always greener on the other side because there is more sh1t," "the two loneliest places are hotels and airports." I also remember my mom telling me she would wash her hair with the stale beer he would leave out for her the night before. You are missed!
Pollard was a wonderful manager. I went to Little Rock for training my son was one year old. I got a call my baby was running fever. I told Pollard he was able to get a flight back home to Shreveport for me that afternoon. It was the week of Thanksgiving my husband and I spent the holiday in the hospital with our son. Pollard was so sweet he called us to check on Peyton and to tell me not to worry about the office until my baby was well. I’ll always remember his kindness. Wham we are so sorry for your great loss. Pollard always talked about you. He will be missed by so many!
I believe it was around 1980 when John first walked into the DEC office for his new job and we soon became really good friends. John was the type of friend everyone wanted - kind, honest, dependable, fun, trustworthy, and just a really good person. He also made everyone around him feel good with his hilarious sense of humor. Chuck and I enjoyed hanging out with John and Wham boating at Greers Ferry lake. John and Chuck are in Heaven now reminiscing about those good old days. Wham and I are missing them dearly.
.My friend John, I hope you are seeing all the beauty of heaven. It’s part of the beauty you radiated to all you knew.I’ll miss you buddy, I know we’ll meet again, just be ready to fish. Loving our friendship always.
Razorback Pizza watching the Hogs just wont be the same without you there. We’ll raise a bottle to you in the fall and cheer them on. You will be missed friend....
You were the best friend that a person could have . I know that Wham will be ok but it will be difficult for a minute. I know because I’ve been through the same thing. Knowing how much you loved her will carry her through tough times. You’ll always be remembered as one of our most cherished friends
You will be forever missed my sweet friend, but all of the sweet memories will keep you with us forever. I’m counting on you to watch over Wham as she continues life’s journey . She’s a strong person and I think will be ok. Say hello to my sweet Don and tell him I sure miss him! Love you forever
Wham it has taken me a minute to find the words to express my thoughts for you and John and I am sure I have forgotten something important I wanted to say.
As others have said it is a given that John was a very special, kind and funny person, loved by all and the BEST boss and friend anyone could ask for.
John believed in me from the day I was hired and made sure everyone else I worked with and met along the way did so too.
One of the guys that used to travel to work with us at Acxiom told me John always took care of him when he was in town; he then told me that "Pollard was the President of the Suzanne Weiler fan club and recruited everyone to join" Anyone that has worked with us all knows the truth in that :)
Not sure what exactly I told John on my interview for him to become my "Executive President", but it was probably something like "you won't regret hiring me and you will always know where I stand and how I feel - because I will tell you"
John always had words of wisdom "if you want something go after it I am not going to stop you", "you make more money than a truck driver", on traveling expenses he would say "if you ate that much food you should way 400 pounds" I saw him walk into many a meeting and watched him "stir the pot" walk away and magically everything worked out. He never was at a loss for words.
Wham I have known you and Pollard since 1986 and we have had many good times and memories that will last forever. Hen parties, Foster Brooks was my favorite and get togethers with the DEC clan. I will miss meeting up for lunch and catching up on life. I know you know that Pollard loved you to the "moon and back" He always knew what he was going to get you for every anniversary and every birthday and any other special occasion; and he loved showing them to his friends/coworkers. I think he was "proudest" of finding you two's 1973 Corvette.
Wham you know I am here for you "my friend" for anything you need. John you will be missed but never forgotten. Because of you I will always feel "special" Oh, and I got the Unicorn that Wham embroidered in 1987 that was hanging in the old Dec office. Thank you!!
Love you both!!!
Suzanne
John was in sales when he firsted dating Wham. He invited me to dinner, (without Wham), one night. It was a good meal, and he talked mostly about Wham. I knew they were gonna be great together. He took great joy in tormenting all Wham's sisters with his jokes and inuendo. He loved to embarrass us, just to get a laugh. While it was annoying, then, I eventully appreciated his personality. He took good care and loved Wham. For that, I'll always be grateful. You will be missed John. See you in heaven.
John is my brother-in-law, and as such, we saw each other at many family events, and during our travels, and marriages' to sisters. We shared many work and professional experiences/stories, and I felt he give me some insight in the corportate world. We had many laughs, and of course John had an interesting sence of humor, which I appreciated. John said his mind, and didn't pull punches. I liked that about him, and never did I wonder his position on politics, women, and life. He loved being blunt, and actually, liked to push peoples buttons to see how they reacted. He genuinely cared, and was very committed to Wham. You are missed, and I look forward to your stories from the next life. Your brother, Gary.
I met John through Wham. We got along well because we had similar political views and we both loved the hogs. He was sweet, funny, and so in love with his wife. I will miss you friend.
John always kept me laughing. He and wham are my Razorback pizza buddy’s. We would meet there watch the Razorbacks play and share a bucket. He always seem to have an abundance of $2 bills in his pocket. He will be missed.
When Wham turned 50 her six sisters wanted to surprise her so we got John on board and WOW!!!! He had so very much fun keeping it a secret from her. Some of the plans were made while she was sitting right beside him. He convinced her that some friends were meeting them at the restaurant so when they arrived he sat Wham in the lobby and had her look for the friends. While she was looking for the friends all her sisters and brothers-in-law started arriving. Wham in all her innocence was still looking for the friends. When they came to seat us Wham looked at John and said what about the other people. John’s grin covered his entire being for being able to pull off such a huge surprise for his Beloved Wham. He was almost giddy. He is so very very missed
I would never have known John except for both of us marrying one of “those Hendrix girls”. And each of us were sure we got the best one. Will miss your crazy sense of humor when the family gets together. Praying for you Wham.
Oh, Pollard, you were so special! Quite the ‘hoot’, actually. Truly one of a kind, a man that will not and could not be forgotten. You were loved and respected by all who had the privilege of knowing you. It was an honor to have you be a part of all our lives. I admired you and will always cherish all the funny stories, your smile and your laughter. No one has to tell Wham how blessed she was to have you in her life. You’ve left her with all your love and a lifetime of precious memories!
Rob and Jill Cole
Feel like I’ve known John and Wham forever. John was a good friend and I know Wham’s forever love. He will be so missed by so many.
It's hard for me to put into words how sincerely we love Uncle Johnny. Some of my earliest happy memories were the Thanksgiving day visits. When we'd go visit Johnny and Wham would let me play with Topper, as pesky kid with too much energy. He made an effort to stay a part of my life and I love and benefited from all of the support and mentoring shared. No doubt in my mind that he helped shape me into who I am today. I am forever grateful for the happy memories and love he shared with my family.
Thank you Uncle Johnny, we miss you terribly.
Love,
Morgan (Mr. Nephew), Krystal and the kids.
I have lost a great friend. I am not sure what kind words I could add that have not been a part of everyone's thoughts that knew him over the years.
He will be missed and remembered
I worked with Pollard for many many years and always thought of him as a friend first and.then my boss. He was respected among his colleagues as he respected
His employees. He will be missed
John & Wham are some of the best people you could ever meet and made the BEST neighbors. John was a kind man with a great sense of humor. He loved Wham with all he had and then some. They would go fishing and do almost everything together. He wouldn't mind when I would come by to talk Wham's ear off and have her get the knot out of my shoulder. He loved to see Wham smile. John gained his wings too soon (in my opinion) but I didn't have a say so in that decision. I know without a doubt God got a good one and that he was greeted by many who loved him and went before him.
John was one of a kind. He was always "game" for anything fun. He was a father figure to me for many years. I was honored later in life when he considered me a "daughter". He was always smiling, always gentle and kind. You could see the mischievous side of him with his smirk or a very apparent twinkle in his eye. He loved Wham immensely, I have seen it exhibited so many times in my life. There is no doubt that the world is a little more dim without him and heaven is a lot brighter. Have fun up there (we all know you will), enjoy a body free from pain and restrictions, and until I see you again I hope you give heaven some hell. I won't say goodbye, just that I will see you later. All of my love, Layne.
John was a great friend , co~ worker
And manager. There was never a dull moment working with John.
He always said” you got me in another fine mess”!
He will be missed!
Enjoyed every minute with John. So sorry for the loss
I worked with John when I was in the Memphis office and later in the Dallas office. I never ever heard any coworker say a bad thing about him. He was so darn likeable and funny. He talked about Wham all the time. He loved you dearly. He was a good man and will be missed by many
I am Uncle Johnny's favorite niece. I remember a story that my mom (Pearl) would tell about Johnny helping teach mom to drive. She could drive until his beer was empty so she would drive from him store to store making sure he wouldn't run out.
I know my mom was part of Johnny's heavenly welcome party.
Wham, you know everyone loved John and his wicked since of humor!!! You know Glen and I loved him dearly and I will miss him forever. I think John and Glen are together in a fishing boat having a great time!! Love you and am thinking of you everyday. You know I’m here if need anything. Love Jeanne
John was a friend and the best manager you could ever ask for , not enough words to express what kinda of person he was.. John was loved and respected and a joy to be around Thank you for being my friend John .
Roger Hobby
I first met John when I went to work at DEC. Over the years we worked together I discovered how kind and understanding John was. He became my friend and not just my manager. I really enjoyed his phone calls and texts over the past years. John will truly be missed.
John was the absolute love of my life. We were actually married 3 months before we had even known each other a year. We were best friends lovers and lifelong pals. He encouraged me to stand up for myself and supported all of the odd things I decided to try such as Belly Dancing, Showing Dogs, photography, snow skiing and throwing darts. I will miss my best friend of 53 years so very much but I know he is no longer in pain and no longer sick. That in itself is a small bit of comfort. He was loved and respected by everyone who worked for him and the majority of them called him Family. Rest well my dear John. I’m trying to hold up as you requested. Not easy but trying