In Memoriam: Earl Hillard and Vannie Edwards

Earl Hillard:

He was a good, kind, and dear man. He never met a stranger and was the first to welcome a newcomer. He was always happy to help in any situation whatever the need. He had joy in his heart and a twinkle in his eyes. Family and friends will forever remember his kindness, compassion and positive nature.

    Earl was born in Casey, IL, and his family later moved to Cisne, IL. Earl joined the United States Air Force in 1951 and after 20 years of service he retired in 1971 as a Senior Master Sergeant. His last station was the Pentagon in Washington D.C. It was his military retirement that brought him back to Arkansas, a place that he loved for its natural beauty. As a civilian Earl enjoyed a career in computing services first at University of Arkansas Medical Sciences and later at University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

  Earl loved the outdoors and was an avid hiker, canoeist, and camper. He was a longtime member of The Arkansas Canoe Club, The Ozark Society, and helped to build a section of the Ozark Highlands Trail. Earl enjoyed gardening and was a Master Gardner volunteer. He was a volunteer firefighter of West Pulaski Fire Department Station Four.

Vannie Edwards:

   Our dear friend and longtime member of the Bayou Chapter – Vannie Edwards – passed away on January 28, 2025, at the age of 87. He and his wife Bobbie, originally from Louisiana, retired in Norman, Arkansas and continued to be members of the Bayou Chapter.

   Vannie was loved by many. He originally taught and coached in the Louisiana public school system. He began coaching gymnastics and was very successful at mentoring world class gymnasts at the college level and became a successful Olympic coach in the 1960’s.

   Their guest cabin in Norman, the “Peek House,” was generously made available to us for many years. If the water was up in the Ouachita or Caddo rivers, we’d head up there and spend the weekend at the Peek House and share meals, stories, campfires, and just enjoy spending time with each other. He and Bobbie loved the Bayou Chapter, and the Bayou Chapter loved them back. Vannie always led a prayer gathering on Sunday mornings before heading out on our activity or road home to realize how blessed we were and to strengthen our bonds with each other.

   In the fall each year, Vannie would invite us up for the “Autumn Olympics.” It was a weekend of fun activities with confidence and trust building games. Part of this was rappelling down a “bunny” slope and a vertical slope on nearby hills. Many of us would never have experienced this without his instruction and encouragement. He also shared similar experiences with troubled teens and other groups that were in need of some direction.

    Vannie loved paddling, hiking and all things outdoors, always giving God the glory as the Creator. His faith in Jesus was the most important thing in his life and from this faith flowed his generosity of spirit and love for others. More than anything, Vannie was an unbelievable encourager to so many. He will be greatly missed and those of us who spent time with him feel incredibly blessed to have called him our friend. We love you, Vannie!