James Larry Hillis, 80, of Little Rock, Arkansas died February 21, 2025. Larry was born on February 15, 1945 to the late John G. and Martha E. Hillis and missed being a Valentine by an hour and 18 minutes.

Larry is a 1963 Salutatorian graduate of Harding Academy, Searcy, Arkansas, and a 1967 graduate of Harding University.

Larry worked for Arkansas Power and Light Company (now Entergy) for 12 years in AP&L's Corporate Communications Department as editor of the utility company's employee magazine.

He began a retail career with Wal-Mart in 1979 in Heber Springs, Arkansas, and eventually became assistant manager of Wal-Mart stores in Heber Springs, Batesville and Mountain View, Arkansas.

He later managed four different stores for three major footwear companies and several dollar stores, including Family Dollar stores in Mayflower, Perryville, and Conway, Arkansas.

He completed his career managing stores for two different pool and spa companies in Arkansas.

Larry took early retirement in 2007. Since retiring from retail, Larry undertook a hobby/pastime of servicing 1950's vintage RCA Victor record players.

Larry was of the Christian faith.

He is survived by his two daughters, Leigh Anne Hudson (Jim) of Saline County, Arkansas, and Bobbie Jean Rutledge (Jonathan) of Crowley, Texas and two grandsons, James (10) and William (8); and a brother, John G. Hillis, Jr., of Little Rock, Arkansas.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, February 25th, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at Pinecrest Memorial Park Cemetery: 7401 AR-5 Alexander, AR, with arrangements by Dial and Dudley Funeral Home.