Otis Ray Hilborn

Otis Ray Hilborn, 82, of Frankfort, Kentucky, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 8, 2025.  He passed away peacefully in Louisville, Kentucky, several months after surviving a stroke.  Otis was born in Malvern, Arkansas, on May 4, 1943, to the late Malven Hilborn and Iva (King) Hilborn.

After growing up on a farm in Central Arkansas, Otis served honorably in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Ticonderoga aircraft carrier. Afterward, he received a B.S. in Accounting from Ouchita Baptist University, which launched him into a 31-year career in finance with the U.S. Federal Highway Administration.  Otis’ career took him from Arkansas to Louisiana, Idaho, and Kentucky, where he was honored as a Kentucky Colonel.  Throughout his life, he was a member of Assembly of God churches, where he cheerfully gave of his time, talent, and treasure.  He lived a life of integrity, generosity, and unwavering faith.  Otis was a competitive runner and racquetball player and played a mean game of Rook.  He had a deep appreciation for God’s majestic creations in nature and enjoyed visiting nearly all U.S. National Parks.  As an aviation and military enthusiast, he never missed a chance to see the Blue Angels perform. Otis was a life-long fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and eventually conceded to cheering for the Kentucky Wildcats, noting that decades of living in Kentucky has that effect.

Otis was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Isabel Rose Brauch; brothers E.L. Hilborn and James Lee Hilborn; and his sister, Geneva Ledbetter.  He will be missed by his loving wife of 61 years, Alice Golden Hilborn, whom he married on January 10, 1964; his daughter and son-in-law, Anita and Barry Brauch of Louisville, KY, and their daughters, Lydia Brauch, Sophia Brauch and Grace Brauch; his daughter Rebecca Smith of Pensacola, FL, and her children, Austin Hollingsworth, Nicole Smith and Jake Smith; and his great-grandson, Karson Hollingsworth.  He is also survived by his four remaining sisters in Arkansas: Lorice Fite, Vivian Gammill, Glenda Crites, and Janelle Dyer (Austin). 

A private family service will be held to honor Otis’ life.  Deep gratitude is extended to the many people who provided exceptional care to Otis during the past eight months.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to a church or missions organization that shares the good news of Jesus Christ.