Frank Hilliard Jr., age 78, of Sherwood, Arkansas, formerly of North Little Rock, Arkansas, was born in Altheimer, Arkansas on April 1, 1947 to Frank Hilliard Sr. and Mary Catherine Garrison Hilliard, both preceded him in death. Frank died on March 19, 2026, “O grave, where is thy victory?” “Oh death, where is they sting?” But thank God: He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Frank graduated from England High School, England, Arkansas in 1965 and attended Draughon’s School of Business, Little Rock, Arkansas.
He began working for Rand’s Wholesale Foods, Inc., in the warehouse and ended his 25-year career there as President and Chief Operations Officer prior to its closing.
Frank later began another 25-year career as Purchaser at the Arkansas Food Bank, Little Rock, Arkansas which lasted until his battle with cancer began in December, 2025. He considered all the people at the Arkansas Food Bank his family and loved each of them dearly and looked forward to going to work each day because of them. Thank you to Eric Shelby, Stephen Easter, and Billy Ray for your kindness and help during this time.
Thank you to David Flatt and Joanne Venable, longtime friends, who were always concerned about Frank and checking on him frequently.
Frank is survived by his brother Harold Hilliard and sister-in-law Brenda, his nephew Brett Alan Hilliard (Jennifer), niece Wendy Darlene Gray (Philip) and great nieces Reagan Sperling, Kennedy Miller (Ethan), Madison Hilliard (Jose), Kinley Hilliard, great nephew Cooper Gray and great, great nephew Banks Miller. A very special niece, Mary Anne Wildhaber of Scott, Arkansas who loved him dearly as he loved her.
He loved fishing and talking to all types of people. He was a kind-hearted friend to many, many people and would give them the shirt off his back.
A very special thank you to Lindsey Haagenson of Gentiva Hospice, Little Rock, Arkansas who has a compassionate heart as big as the sky and was wholly dedicated to Frank’s comfort and care. We can’t say thank you enough, you were sent as his angel on earth. Also, Chaplain Barry Walker from Gentiva Hospice who always appeared for comfort at just the right moment.
Thank you to the Sherwood Nursing and Rehab Center, Sherwood, Arkansas nurses and employees who took care of Frank with respect and dignity and their sincere concern for him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arkansas food bank.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 9:00am with the funeral service starting at 10:00am in the chapel at A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Arkansas.
A private burial will be at Keo Cemetery, Keo, Arkansas immediately after the service.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
6 Comments
I worked with Frank at the Foodbank and sat next to him for almost 2 years. We loved sharing and talking about books. He lent me a copy of a Jackie O autobiography and a Danielle Steele novel. I gave him a copy of The Last Picture Show. He always had a smile on his face and was always ready to go outside for a smoke break and talk–about books, life, work, anything under the sun. I have missed his presence at the office greatly. Wish I could go to lunch with Frank one last time at the Asian buffet just one last time. We love you, Frank. Sending the family so much love, Frank is so loved and so missed.
Uncle Harold, Aunt Brenda, Brett, Wendy and families- we are sorry for this loss and I’m praying for you all. We love y’all. Jenn & Scott
My condolences. So sorry to see this. Jenn, If you may ask Brenda if she can call me at 501-257-0659? I’m a good friend to Frank
My dad and mom thought the world of all the Hilliard’s and my grandmother and Mrs. Catherine were good friends. Both sides of my family considered them family. Frank was the sweetest man and I know you all will miss him. Sending our love and praying for peace in your hearts as he is laid to rest.
I met Frank when he started at the Food Bank over 25 years ago and worked with him for many years. I always looked forward to seeing him on my visits back to the food bank. One of my favorite memories was trying to convince him to try to use the internet when it started to become popular, he resisted at first but everytime I saw him after he reminded me how I had taught him to use the internet superhighway and it opened up his world. He cared deeply for his work and always did it with a smile, he will be greatly missed.
I am heartbroken to hear about Frank. We have worked together for about 2 years since I started working at Arkansas Foodbank. We emailed and discussed vendors’ matters almost every day and I learned lots of new things – work related from him. He always smiled and said hi to me, and he told me some funny jokes when I stopped by his desk for some questions. He will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, Frank… Sending thoughts and prayers to the family,
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