of Keiser, AR
February 4, 1923 - August 4, 2012
Joseph Benjamin Hilliard (Joe B) joined his wife, Pauline, on August 4 in arms of Christ. Born February 4, 1923, in Aurora, Illinois to Berton Parker Hilliard and Elnora Elizabeth (Coleman) Hilliard; Joe spent his youth in Jonesboro before moving to Keiser in 1941. After meeting Pauline in September of 1941 they were wed that same December and lived together as man and wife for 66 years. Joe went to work for Keiser Supply Company and later Lee Wilson Company as a young bookkeeper and retired after 63 years as Senior Vice President of the company that was his second family. For his fiftieth anniversary as a Lee Wilson Company employee the Wilson family established what is now the Joe B. Hilliard / Wilson Scholarship at Arkansas State University.
Joe served on many state and county boards and agencies. Among his many accomplishments was serving as Mayor of Keiser. During his tenure as Mayor he and his council members were instrumental in seeing that all city roads were paved, started two-days-a week garbage pick-up, purchased ten acres for a city park, built a new fire station for a new fire truck, built a city hall with a public library, constructed a sewer system, and erected street lights for the town of 500 citizens.
A life time sports fan and dedicated St. Louis Cardinals fan Joe listened to, attended or viewed over 10,000 St. Louis Cardinal baseball games.
As much as he loved his work and those who he worked with his first love was Jesus Christ. He and Pauline were members of Keiser United Methodist Church from the time of their marriage and retained their membership after their move to Germantown Plantation Assisted Living in 2010. He was gifted with a beautiful tenor voice and loved to sing and hear the songs that praised and glorified his Lord. One of his favorite hymns, ''Others'' exemplified his character and how he lived his life. He did not judge or gossip about people, but accepted each as a child of God. He helped those he could never wanting recognition of his many good deeds.
Joe is survived by his three children, Carole Ann Burns and her husband David, Mike and his wife Sue and Paul his wife Carla, grandchildren Christy Ford, Michael Hilliard and Stacy Hilliard and five great-grandchildren: John David Burns, Carole Ann Ford, Jewel Elizabeth Ford, Ethan Martin Hilliard, and Brayden Joseph Hilliard. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife: Pauline Hilliard; one sister: Pauline Cunningham, and one brother Eugene Parker Hilliard.
A Bar-B-Q lunch will be served following the service, all friends are invited.
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14 Condolence(s)
Melody Jarrett
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
I love Mr. Hilliard and next to my father he is the most wonderful Christian man I know and so kind and wise.
Like I put in his letter after Mrs. Hilliard moved to heaven. His help with those nursing home Christmas presents for the people was so kind of him. He and daddy were really sweet to furnish that nursing home Christmas gift givings years ago. I write in present tense because he is alive in heaven with Mrs. Hillard having a grand time. He was loved and is by me and my whole family and daddys best friend. What a great man of strength and Intergity and fortitude. A wonderful delightful Christian with manifold wisdom. We will see you at another time and you are highly honored.
Martin Day
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Sir - We never met, but if your Granddaughter Stacy is anything to go by, you were a great and good man. May you Rest in Peace...
Mike Wikson
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Mr. Joe & Mrs. Pauline will be greatly missed. They were both very special people and both meant alot to me when I was growing up. Our prayers go out to his children & grandchildren. Mike Wilson
Jan Miles Webb
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
So sad to hear about Mr. Hilliard. My heart goes out to each of you. Both he and Mrs. Hilliard were outstanding people. Keeping you in my prayers.
Brenda Mckinney Antwine
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
I love to remember the stories that my Mother told me about growing up with Joe and Pauline. How she loved them both! Joe was a precious man, always kind and caring but a man of strong convictions. He made a difference during his lifetime and he was one of those individuals who made you feel better just by being in his presence. My love and sympathy goes out to Carole Ann, Mike and Paul.
Christy Ford
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
My dear Grandfather was cut from a different cloth than most I encounter today. His integrity, honesty, and care for his community were expressed in every breath. He will be greatly missed, but remembered always as an example of how to follow Christ effortlessly. I am blessed by his life.
Shelby S. Chandler
Monday, August 6, 2012
Joe was a wonderful friend! Full of wit and humor and helped me so much when I worked for LWCO. Could not have made it without all of his help and encouragement. He loved his work and people. He will be missed! My prayers go out to all his family. He is with the LORD!
Shelby S. Chandler
Monday, August 6, 2012
Joe was a wonderful friend! Full of wit and humor and helped me so much when I worked for LWCO. Could not have made it without all of his help and encouragement. He loved his work and people. He will be missed! My prayers go out to all his family. He is with the LORD!
Shelby S. Chandler
Monday, August 6, 2012
Joe was a wonderful friend! Full of wit and humor and helped me so much when I worked for LWCO. Could not have made it without all of his help and encouragement. He loved his work and people. He will be missed! My prayers go out to all his family. He is with the LORD!
Becky(Nichols) & Danny Welch
Sunday, August 5, 2012
We were so sorry to hear about Joe. Our prayer are with you all.
Love,
Becky & Danny
Whit Barton
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Mr. Hilliard was a rare combination of accomplishment, humility and humor. His memory will be with so many of us who called Keiser home.
Vickie Nichols Warhurst
Sunday, August 5, 2012
So many wonderful memories of Mr. & Mrs. Hilliard. I loved Mr. Hilliard's great sense of humor and he always had time for you, if it was just to say Hi and ask about your family. Thanks for sharing "Joe B" with all of us at Keiser.
Stacy Hilliard
Sunday, August 5, 2012
To my Granddaddy - You will always be my hero and an example of how to live life with dignity and humbleness. I will never forget your laugh and will miss you dearly.
My prayers are with my family and your dear friends - which are so many.
xx
Paul & Carla Hilliard
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Dad we love you and will miss you very much, Love Paul & carla