“Butch” Billy M. Hardgrave, Jr.
by May 15, 2025 11:07 am 30 views
“Butch” Billy M. Hardgrave, Jr, 79, of Fort Smith, passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2025. He was born on April 29, 1946, in Fort Smith to the late Billy Marvin Hardgrave, Sr. and Mayme Faye Frazier Hardgrave.
Butch was a retired truck driver. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, having received the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Butch was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Fort Smith. He maintained life memberships with the VFW, DAV, American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Belle Point Masonic Lodge #20, Scottish Rite 32nd Degree, the 2122 Regimental Society and the Eagles Lodge.
He is survived by his beloved girlfriend and companion of over 20 years, Betty Kimrey, his sister, Karen Warner, a nephew Trine Warner, great niece Kathryn and great nephew Cade.
Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Friday, May 16, 2025, at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, with the funeral service to follow at 12:00 pm. Interment will be at the Fort Smith National Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 609, Fort Smith, AR 72902.