Hillard Joe Pistole of Fort Smith, Arkansas, died Monday, August 29, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith. He was born on October 2, 1944, in Charleston, Arkansas, to the late Opal Ira Pistole and Golda Fern (Hayes) Pistole. He was 77 years old. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sondra Thomas.

Joe was a 1962 graduate and valedictorian of County Line High School. He was six years active and reserve in the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam War veteran. He served as Captain in Finance Corps. He was awarded many medals while serving. He was the first student recruiter for Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas. For 26 years, Joe worked as a sales representative and account executive for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. For over 17 years, he was the assistant vice president for Merrill Lynch, specializing in 401k plans. He worked as an independent financial advisor for over 10 years, and was working up to the day he died. He was a faithful member of Central Christian Church in Fort Smith. He loved serving and helping people with their needs.

Joe wore many hats: husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, deacon, elder, Bible class teacher, Joy Bus Captain and coordinator, President of noon Lions Club, coordinator of church small group Brothers Keepers, and leader of 2:42 small group.

He was an avid golfer. He loved competing in tournaments with his family and friends, and very proud of his four "hole in ones. Joe loved to travel but it had to be somewhere where there was a golf course close by. His best golfing partner was his wife, Peggy, of 57 years, and their favorite place to golf was in the mountains of beautiful Colorado and Canada. He was known for all his "quotes," quick wit, and funny stories that he shared with his family and friends. Joe loved his Lord and had a strong faith that passed down to his family and friends. He was known as the man "Blessed Beyond Measure!"

A memorial service will by held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 2nd at Central Christian Church in Fort Smith, with Brad Pistole officiating. A memorial graveside service, with military honors, will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Smith National Cemetery, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Peggy (McCartney) Pistole; three sons, Bryan Joe Pistole and wife Starr of North Little Rock, Brad Shelton Pistole of Springfield, Missouri, and Brandon Lee Pistole of Hot Springs Village; his brother, Dennis Lee Pistole of Dardanelle; five grandchildren, Mike Thomas, Lauren Allcorn, Conor Pistole, Autumn Newman, and Hunter Pistole; seven great-grandchildren, Zola Thomas, Mia Thomas, Brayden Pistole, Leon Thomas, Loxlyn Pistole, August Newman, and Charlotte Allcorn.

Honorary pallbearers are Mike Thomas, Conor Pistole, Hunter Pistole, Andrew Allcorn, Ethan Newman and Mark Thomas.

The family will visit with friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday with services starting at 11:00 a.m. at Central Christian Church, 400 N. Waldron Rd. Fort Smith, AR  72903 (479) 452-1901.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.