04/15/2024
James Richard “Rick” Vandermillion, of Fort Smith, Arkansas was born on July 2, 1946 to Richard and Norma Jo Vandermillion. He passed from this life on April 12, 2024. He was 77 years old.
Rick co-owned and operated “Hook & Bullet” Sporting Goods and continued to sell sporting goods and was a hardware sales representative for Speer Hardware. At the conclusion of that career, he went on to become a legal posting clerk at Guaranty Abstract & Title for another 21 years. Rick was a member of the Fort Smith Antique Auto Club, had a deep passion for duck, dove, and deer hunting, being a part of the outdoors, an interest in several sports, and especially loving his great grandchildren. Rick was of the Baptist faith.
He is survived by the love of his life, Elizabeth “Ann” Vandermillion, of 58 years. Rick is also survived by his daughter Sheryl (Kevin) Shepherd of Ozark, grandchildren Kristen (Josh) Atchley of Waldron, Garrett Shepherd of Ozark, Kortney (Bobby) Whitecotton of Paris, and Jessica (Glen) Holt of Booneville, and great grandchildren Clayton, Kenleigh, Kaity, Charlotte, Saylor, Korbin, Sawyer, and Harrison, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Norma Jo Vandermillion, his grandparents Clovis and Stella Vandermillion, and sister Vickie Barnes.
A memorial service will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 17th at the Lewis Funeral Chapel in Fort Smith with Reverend George Barham officiating. Burial will follow at Steep Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Garrett Shepherd, Josh Atchley, Barry Hawthorne, Greg Breshears, Ronnie Polk, and Wayne Newell.
Visitation will take place at Lewis Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, April 16th between 5:00 pm-7:00 pm.
