Larry Ray Hibbs, age 80, of Cabot passed away on February 9, 2023 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Larry was met at the gates of Heaven by his parents Albert and Bettie Hibbs and his brothers Gary and Glen Hibbs.
He was born in Ogden, Utah and his parents relocated him and his 6 siblings to Jacksonville. Larry attended his entire schooling in Jacksonville and graduated as a Red Devil. In 1960 after graduating, he joined the United States Navy until he had a medical discharge in 1965 due to an injury.
Larry was set up on a blind date by friends where he met the love of his life. In 1968, he married Deanna Hoose of Texarkana, Texas and in December of 2022, the celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary. Together, they have 2 children, Brett and Holly. He provided for and protected his family. He could not be prouder of his children and the people they are today. Larry never met a stranger and would talk to anyone always with a smile on his face, and if you were lucky he would have a comment of two to make you laugh.
In 1975, he joined the Jacksonville Police Department as a patrol officer, moved into CID, and in 1995 he was named Chief of Police. Larry was so devoted to the department, the community, and helping those in need. He touched many lives and in return, he gained many personal friendships over the years. Larry has been described by many as honorable, dedicated, gentle, caring, and one of the best chiefs there was. Larry retired from Chief of Police is 2001. One of the proudest moments for him was watching his son, Brett Hibbs, become Chief of the Jacksonville Police Department in 2020. It was the first father/son to become Chief in the same department within the state of Arkansas. In 2021, Larry helped pin the badge on his granddaughter, Kaitlyn, as she began her career with the Jacksonville Police Department and could not have been more proud of her in that moment.
Larry’s favorite hobby was spending time with family and watching the grandkids in activities. His favorite was getting together with them for a meal and hanging out. He was the best Papa there could be and Kaitlyn, Hailey, Jonathan, and Jackson were so lucky to have him in their lives. He had another love and that was sharing his recliner, snacks, and taking naps with his granddogs Luke, London, Bentley, and Tank.
Larry is survived by his wife, DeeDee Hibbs; children Brett and spouse Tina Hibbs and Holly and spouse Darrin Fairchild; grandkids Kaitlyn Fairchild, Hailey and Jonathan Pulliam, and Jackson Hibbs; brothers Tim and Richard Hibbs; sisters Donna Rose and Susan Pope as well as many nieces and nephews; granddogs Luke, London, Bentley, and Tank; and many more friends and extended family members.
Thank you to the staff at Kindred Hospice Services and especially nurses Kathy Roper and Beth Cochran.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Jacksonville Police Department, Community Outreach Program; 1400 Marshall Road, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076.
A visitation will be held on Monday, February 20, 2023 from 1:00-2:00pm with a celebration of life to follow at 2:00pm at Francis Farms Event Center; 5724 Highway 294, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
24 Comments
Will miss this wonderful friend. My prayers are with all his family. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Aunt Holly and Family – I am so very sorry for your loss. I am praying for peace, comfort and understanding in this difficult time. I love y’all!
Mr. Hibbs was an excellent police chief. I lived in Jacksonville when he was chief and had an occasion to interact with him. I am sorry to hear of his passing.
Larry was one of the finest policeman I ever knew. He served his department and his city with strength and integrity and I will forever be honored by calling him a friend.
Praying for the Family in Jesus Name
Fantastic human being, colleague, and friend. He would always have a smile, a joke and a compliment ready. He will be missed by so many.
Thank you Chief Gibbs for your service to your Country and to your community. Thank you for the LOVE you had with your family and friends. RIP until you are reunited with your loved ones.
I think I was the very 1st person Larry rode with when he joined the department, we had many ups, downs and adventures when we worked together on the PD. One thing about “Too Tall” was you didn’t have to worry about his being there if you needed him in our line of work. We ended on a very good up. Brett, Holly your dad was my friend and he was a good man. DeeDee, you’ll be fine, Judi said so and she stands good with the Lord.
He was a great Man ,as some us called him Mr. DeeDee. Prayers for the family.
Larry and I walked down many roads together during our times at JPD. I will remember the fun times we had. Thank you Larry for all the laughs and mostly thank you for showing me the way and for being a friend. RIP
Thank you Chief Hibbs for giving me the opportunity to become a member of Jacksonville Police family.
Larry was an instrumental member of the JPD and was very dedicated to his service of the community throughout his personal service to mankind. Prayers to the family
I remember you Larry as a very nice person while we attended JhS. A very nice family. I am saddened just knowing you are no longer here. Doris Nichols Carroll Jones.
Chief Hibbs was the very best always made for me and helped in every way. The lord is welcoming the best of men
He will be missed by many my prayers go out to the family
Larry worked for my late husband, Ernie Bailey, who owned a mobile home sales lot at what later became the Other Center across from McCain Mall in the 1960s before becoming a police officer and I remember him fondly. Ernie and I followed Larry’s career over the. years and were always impressed with his success. At the young age he was always so nice and polite and a pleasure to be around. I remember when he met DeDe and fell in love. I am so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing and will pray for God’s comfort and peace for you as you grieve.
Chief Hibbs is joyful in heaven knowing he’s left a thumbprint here on earth. I’m so glad to have met him and Dee Hibbs at such a young age in 1995. Later working with Dee 97-2011. He was so much fun, and a mastermind at pranks. His shoes are way too big to be filled.. but please try them on first and at least try. You have left a legacy for my grandkids (your son and granddaughter) will take care of Jacksonville now and we are thankful! Rest easy Mr.Deedee 😉
Sorry for your loss. He was a good man. 🙏🏼
Sorry for your loss Brett
So sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. What a great guy & friend. So glad we we were able shared our girls all these years. Time with you guys was always a million laughs. So thankful for the memories!
Larry and I have been friends longer than people knows. We were neighbors once before either of us were officers. Larry was always there for me and I will always remember that. He taught me how to be a good investigator and never leave a case until all leads were looked into. My prayers to the family and may GOD Bless them and give them strength and comfort during their time of grief.
So sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family in the days ahead.
Great man, great father, great Police Chief. Thank you for service!!!
I’m very sorry to hear of everyone’s loss. Sounds like the families, friends and anyone who met Chief Hibbs were given an increase in quality of life. Chief Hibbs choose to “Protect and Serve” and increase the quality of life itself in J’ville. Thank you, Sir. Now we must “Respect and Preserve” those known and unknown deeds that you gave selflessly. Safe travels Chief. My condolences to his loved ones.
What a great person to work for he always had a way to put a smile on your face. He always needed to know where Capt Talbot was. He will greatly missed
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