Billy Frank Pickard

On December 20, 2025 Billy Frank Pickard passed away at the age of 91 years. He was born on April 10, 1934 in El Paso, AR to the late Horace and Betty (Baker) Pickard. He had two brothers Jr. and Weldon Pickard and one sister Louise (Pickard) Farnam, who all preceded him in death.

Billy is survived by his children, Sharon (Tommy) Pruss, Cory (Ashley) Pickard and Gary (Brenda) Pickard. Grandchild, Nathan (Sarah) Pruss Grandchildren: Harley, Avery and Landry Pickard. Aaron and Jeremy Pickard; and Great-Grandchildren: Swayze, Mason and Maddie.

Daddy never really got to be a kid. He was driving a tractor from sun up to sun down when he was 8 years old, Even though he was not highly educated you would never meet a smarter or kinder man. He could figure anything out or jerry rig it to work. He worked several jobs after he left the farm life when he was 15 or 16 years old. He was approached in England, AR by a man trying to find laborers and Daddy told him he wasn't interested. Daddy then left in his Dad's car heading home and ran the car in a ditch. He walked back to town and found the guy and accepted the job, boarded a Greyhound bus and went to California. On the way he sent his Mom and Dad a postcard telling them where the car was. Upon getting to California, he couldn't work because he had no Social Security Card. So they loaded him back up and sent him home. Daddy had so many stories of things we would never dare to do in todays times.

Daddy was married for sixty-eight years to the love of his life, Nona (Barnes) Pickard who passed away 10-21-2023. They had their fair share of hardships but they loved each other no matter what. Daddy always found a way during the hard times to support his family working 2-3 jobs at times.

He was part owner of the Company Engine Rebuilders in Little Rock until his retirement on May 1, 2001. Even after retiring, he was always busy unless he needed a meal or a power nap. He loved both.

All in All, the best thing to say is Daddy and Mom are back together for this Joyous time of the year. Even though we will miss him tremendously, at least now he is where he wanted to be, with Mom.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR  72114.  501-758-1170.