Ben Hillis, age 92, of Atkins, passed away, Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at his home.  He was born September 28, 1931, in Des Arc, to Freed and Faith Hillis.

He married Frances Cross on December 24, 1950, in Paragould. In his 26 years of service in the Air Force, he rose to the position of Senior Master Sargent. He served his country with tours in Turkey, Morocco, Germany, Philippines as well as various locations across the US.

Upon retiring from the Air Force, he settled down in Atkins.  After building his own house with a neighbor, he went to work at Arkansas Nuclear One (Entergy) as an instructor, retiring in 1996. He was an avid HAM Radio Operator and was active in the Pope County HAM radio club where he often taught Morse code, gave licensing tests for new operators, and supported yearly HAM Fest activities.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Deronda Sanders; a sister, Fern King; and brother, Tom Hillis.

Ben is survived by his wife, Frances; two children, Bruce Hillis (wife Jeffery) of Dallas, Texas, and Diane Warren of Atkins; a son-in-law, Ron Sanders of Russellville; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; a nephew Richard Roberts of Fayetteville; and niece Joyce Abernathy of Branson, Missouri.

The funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 11, 2023, at Atkins Assembly of God with the Rev. Brian Ryals officiating.  Burial will be in Rest Haven Memorial Park and under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m., until service time at the church.

Pallbearers will be grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Honorary pallbearers will be the HAM Club, Russellville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the USO, online at www.uso.org or mailed to P.O. Box 96860, Washington, DC 20077-7677, or the local HAM Club, ARVARF, 114 Creek Lane, Russellville, Arkansas 72802.

W5HH over and out.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.