Joel Deen Kilgore, 50, of 3100 Happy Valley Drive, after a courageous battle with cancer, died July 2nd 2007 with his family by his side. He was born in Little Rock on June 20th, 1957 to Jackie Kilgore and the late Dr. John H. Kilgore Sr. of Caraway, AR. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Osier and Buna Roberson Goodman of Oil Trough, AR. and the late Roy and Minnie Vick Kilgore of Fordyce, AR., by his aunt Jimmie Dean Henson, Brother John Henry Kilgore, Jr. and Sister Jenny Jett Kilgore.
One of the first Bruins, Joe was a member of Pulaski Academy's Class of 1975. Joe was proud to hold the distinction of being the first Arkansas high school student to letter in five sports; football, basketball, baseball, track and tennis. He enjoyed sports all his life, whether playing, supporting the Razorbacks or just arguing the merits of each team.
Joe attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and Memphis State University. Having earned a degree in Drafting and Design, Joe loved to work on with his many projects. Always outside, Joe was an enthusiastic gardener, fisherman and outdoorsman. Joe owned Kilgore Motors and worked in the restaurant business in the past. He was a part of the family businesses Kilgore/Longmeadow Nursing Homes.
Joe is survived by his mother Jackie Kilgore of Little Rock, sisters Janie Macdonald of Benton , Jill Kilgore, Jeanie Kilgore and Joy Kilgore all of Little Rock, brothers Jocko Kilgore-Vaskov of San Louis Obispo, CA., Phillip Sliger and Bill Sliger of Little Rock, and great-aunts Clio Vick Clary and Grace Vick Jordan both of Little Rock. Uncle Joe-Joe is also survived by nieces and nephews JJ Pettit Chaidez, Casey Pettit, Zachary Payne, Noah Kilgore, Jonah Romine, Olivia Sliger all of Little Rock and Bailey Vaskov and Jordan Jett Vaskov of San Louis Obispo, CA. He is the beloved great-uncle to Isabel Chaidez and Mason Chaidez of Little Rock. He will be greatly missed by all of his cousins, extended family and friends.
Family and friends are welcome to attend visitation at Benton Funeral Home, (870-352-3131) in Fordyce on Wednesday July 4 3:30 pm until 6:30pm. Funeral services will be held Thursday at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce, July 5th at 2:30. Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery, Fordyce. To sign the online register visit
www.bentonfuneralhome.com