Richard Vance Wilkison Jr. of Searcy, Arkansas, lived a full life and passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, right where he started on March 9, 1947.

Richard was a protector through and through. He proudly served in the U.S. Army before embarking on a career in law enforcement. He was a police officer, a member of the very first SWAT team in Little Rock, and a dedicated Mason. Underneath his tough exterior, he had a great sense of humor and a deep love for his family.

He is happily reunited in heaven with his wife, Helen “Claudine” Wilkison, and his daughter, Valarie Lynn Wilkison.

His legacy of strength and laughter lives on through his family: son Eric Wilkison; grandchildren Jessica Blair, Lyndsi Mitchell, Malarie Coppock, and Haley Wilkison; great-grandchildren Hunter Newlun, London Azevedo, Baylor Coppock, Barron Blair, and Carson Loving.

Richard kept us safe, made us laugh, and loved us fiercely. We will miss him terribly, but we can’t help but smile when we think of him.

Rest easy, Richard. We’ve got it from here.

Cremation arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com