Obituary: Jerry ‘E.J.’ Hillard, 71, Bardstown

Jerry “E.J.” Hillard, 71, of Bardstown, died Monday, Feb. 26, 2018, at Flaget Memorial Hospital. He was born Jan. 31, 1947, in Louisville. She was a native of Owensboro who retired from General Electric. She was a U.S. Army veteran, a Kentucky Colonel, an Honorary Captain of the Belle of Louisville, an Honorary Citizen of the City of New Orleans, and a special conservation officer for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.

JERRY “E.J.” HILLARD

He was an avid outdoorsman who loved duck hunting and fishing, and he was extremely proud to pass that love on to his grandson. He loved music and played acoustic guitar, bass guitar and drums. He loved to sing with his daughters and granddaughters. He was devoted to his family and his friends, especially those who were like brothers, Alan Smith, M.D., Gary Price, and David Smith. He loved a good joke, a hard laugh, and a great cheeseburger followed by an ice cream, and was known for playing pranks on friends. The world was a better place with him and he will be forever remembered by all those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Merecedees Hillard; and three sisters, Pat Higgs, Faye Hinson, and Sharon Cooper.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Brenda Pharris Hillard of Bardstown; two daughters, Kimberly Hillard of Georgetown and Kendra (Brennan) Hite of Bardstown; one sister, Barbara (Stoy) Jaggers of Cave City; and three grandchildren, Shelby Hillard of Georgetown, Braxton Hite, and Eleanor Hite of Bardstown.

The funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Barlow Funeral Home, with cremation to follow.

Visitation is 2-8 p.m. Friday, March 2, 2018, and 10-11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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