of Little Rock, AR
December 25, 1949 - January 23, 2026
Bill, 76, of Little Rock passed away unexpectedly on January 23, 2026. He was born in Allentown, PA to Lorraine and William Hirst, Sr. He is survived (and dearly missed) by his wife of 29 years, Pat Harrelson; two sons, C. Hirst of Ocean View, Delaware and Trevor Hirst of Vienna, Virginia; three brothers, Peter Hirst of Little Rock, Richard Hirst of Allentown, PA and David Hirst of Baltimore; three grandchildren and his beloved dog, Darby.
Bill was an honor graduate of Lehigh University, with a B.A. in Spanish and Russian. He obtained his M.A. from the University of Southern California. Upon retirement he attended culinary school at Pensacola for 2 years to enhance his already fabulous culinary skills.
He served in the U.S. Navy for 26 years, retiring as a Captain. His Navy career was peppered with awards and commendations. He served in Bahrain (where he met his wife, a fellow Naval Officer), Japan, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Hawaii, Norfolk, and at the Pentagon.
In retirement, Bill volunteered at the Sherwood Animal Shelter and CALS Library. He and his wife enjoyed many years of camping and travel in their various RV's. He was the editor of the Village Voice, a newsletter for Parkway Village residents for several years. He was known for his sense of humor and willingness to help others.
After cremation, his ashes will be buried at Pearson Cemetery in a private graveside service. We hope to have a memorial service later, to be held at Parkway Village.
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13 Condolence(s)
Jim and Carolyn Lancaster
Thursday, January 29, 2026
In the 3 plus years we’ve known Bill-felt a deep friendship and admiration. Shared great time together with Bill, Pat and Darby and had a very memorable lunch with them in their home on Thursday-. Always enjoyed and loved our dog’s play time together. We had both met our wives in the Middle East-both retired military. Bill had a gift for making everyone feel special, he was truly one of a kind, courteous, deeply caring about others and important issues of the day. He was a true friend and we will miss him very much. Jim, Carolyn and Beau
PETER HIRST
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Bill was my mentor and my best friend the last 4 yrs. Bill took good care of me.
i will miss him dearly .,,,,,,
Connie price
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
So sorry for your loss. He will be missed by all of his family and friends.
David Dunavant
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
I so much enjoyed the short time that I knew Bill and spent playing guitar with him.
Allan Gold
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
I will always fondly remember encountering Bill, Pat and Darby almost every morning as we all took our morning strolls here in PWV.
Cindy Kay McClain
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
I am so saddened by the news of Bill's passing. He was a guy you didn't forget--his humor, his skill with words, his personality, his dedication to Pat. My thoughts and prayers are with Pat and the entire Hirst family. I am glad I was able to know him these last few years.
Dale Hirst Bynon
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Although I it has been many, many years since I saw cousin Bill, he was often in my thoughts. Especially as he moved around the world on assignments. Being just 2 years older, I spent lots of time with him growing up in a very large extended family.
I remember vividly his son, C. William, being born one week before my first daughter. We were very excited new parents.
Pat, although we've never met, my husband, Tom, and I extend our sincere condolences to you and the rest of the family.
Martha Dail
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
David and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Bill's passing. We know this is a devastating loss for you Pat as well as for Darby and for all of the people fortunate enough to have been graced by Bill's presence in their lives. Our thoughts are with you.
Rod Neal
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Bill was a man of many parts whose contributions to life at Parkway Village were many; always delivered with little fanfare, but in a manner that few could match. For several years he prepared, edited, and published the Village Voice, a monthly newspaper, that was truly outstanding. His writing was a beautiful combination of conciseness, humor, and information enhanced by his skills with a camera. One of his last acts was a Letter to the Editor expressing concern about the expected loss to Arkansas of its PBS affiliation. It was a masterful example of clarity, cogency, and economy of words. He was sensitive to the needs of everyone, often providing treats from his kitchen. He will be missed.
Ruthann Magness
Monday, January 26, 2026
What a loss for many people, especially Pat and Darby and Family. A kind, humorous and generous person will be greatly missed.
Ruthy and LD Magness
James Poling
Monday, January 26, 2026
I'm shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of our dear friend and former neighbor Bill. After I moved away from Arkansas, our family's holiday get together with him, Pat and Darby was my favorite annual tradition upon visiting for the holidays. Bill was an incredible cook, always coming up with creative dishes, and he had stories for days through his incredible journeys across different cultures. He dearly loved animals and reading, and his contributions with each can be felt throughout the Central Arkansas community from his volunteer services for these causes. I will miss his humbled humor (glad this was mentioned in the obituary!) and his affection for his kerry blue terriers (Bella, Stonewall and Darby). He and Pat are one of our all-time favorite next-door neighbors, and I hope Bill is enjoying his beloved ice box cake with chocolate wafers in the afterlife.
Pat, you are in my thoughts as you go through this difficult time.
Ruthann Magness
Monday, January 26, 2026
We can’t express how sad we are for this loss. We are sending much love and care to you Pat, and Darby and all the family.
Ruthy and LD Magness
Beverly S Haller
Monday, January 26, 2026
Pat, so sorry for your loss. Bill was a great guy.