Who We Are
We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.
When we sit down with a family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. Together, we explore the wide variety of services and products available, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions.
Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.
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Our History
Gerald and Sue Hoggard moved to Piggott in 1956, and initially worked for Lloyd Russell of Russell Mortuary. During those early years, as was common, the funeral home operated an ambulance service.
This attention to caring for the living, when incident or accident happened, continues to be a part of what we do at Hoggard & Sons: tending to the physical and emotional needs of those living in the Piggott community.
In 1971, Gerald formed his own firm with his two sons: Paul, and Sherrell, and that family unity is still reflected in our name: Hoggard & Sons. Some three years later, in 1974, they bought the building from Mr. Russell, and proceeded to renovate the chapel. Continued renovations have brought this facility up to the highest standards of comfort, elegance and accessibility.
In 2007 the family lost a son, Sherrell. Despite this loss – or perhaps because of it – we renewed our commitment to caring for Piggott families when they face their own personal tragedies. After all, we are tempered by personal and professional experience. No one can understand your situation as well as we can.
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Our Valued Staff
Gerald Wayne Hoggard, Owner/Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer
Gerald has been serving families in their time of need for over 58 years. He graduated from Childress High School in 1950, and six years later, he was pleased to receive his degree from the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science.
He is a member of the Piggott Masonic Lodge #545 and Member of the Order of the Eastern Star - New Piggott Chapter #625. He’s also a member of the American Legion, Chamber of Commerce, and the Arkansas Scottish Rite Masons - Valley of Jonesboro.
Gerald’s professional memberships include the Arkansas Funeral Directors Association, as well as the NFDA, the National Association of Funeral Directors.
He is married to Shirley Sue (Wayland) Hoggard. Together, they raised two sons, Paul Wayne Hoggard and Sherrell Wayland Hoggard. And they’re the proud grandparents of four grandchildren: Kristin Johnson, Michael Hoggard, Stephanie Hoggard Lowe, and Kalyn Hoggard; and three great-grandchildren: Mason Daniel Lowe, Matalyn Ashlee Johnson, and Caden James Hoggard.
Shirley Sue Hoggard, Licensed Funeral Director, Co-Owner
Shirley has worked in funeral service beside her husband, Gerald, for the past 40 years. Not only did they work together side-by-side, but they raised their sons together, Paul and Sherrell. She is a graduate of Paragould High School and attended Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. Shirley is a proud member of the Eastern Star – New Piggott Chapter #625.
Paul Wayne Hoggard, Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer
Paul has over 35 years of service in the funeral profession. He graduated from Piggott High School in 1974, after which he attended Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service in Houston, Texas.
He married Kathy (Reams) in 1977, and together they have two grown children, Kristin Ashley Hoggard (Johnson) and Kalyn Paul Hoggard. Paul and Kathy have a granddaughter, Matalyn Ashlee Johnson.
Stephanie Sheryl Hoggard Lowe, Licensed Funeral Director
Stephanie is the newest member of the firm, with 5 years in the funeral business. She received her license in 2008.
Stephanie is also a graduate of Piggott High School, Class of 2004, and a graduate of the Three Rivers Community College (TRCC) in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. Stephanie continues her education by currently attending Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, majoring in Business Management.
In 2005, Stephanie married Jerrod D. Lowe, and together they have a son, Mason.
She is the daughter of late Sherrell Wayland Hoggard and Pamela (Rigdon) Hoggard.
Stephanie's brother Michael V. Hoggard and wife Ashley live in Maumelle, Arkansas, along with their son Caden James Hoggard.
Russell Bruff
Russell is truly a jack-of-all-trades, and he’s provided invaluable assistance to Hoggard & Sons for over 15 years. We trust him with everything from yard work, to taking flowers to the cemetery, to maintaining our vehicles.
Charles Carrens
Charles helps with daily operations during the summer months. He helps with a variety of tasks, and we thank him for all he does on our behalf.
Jimmy Graddy, Greeter
Taking the time to welcome family members and their guests during visitations, funerals and memorial services as Jimmy does with grace and care. We are delighted to have his assistance – as are those who come in attendance.
Shonne Mick
