John L. Haggard, M.D.

John L. Haggard, MD, 92, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away March 23, 2025, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. He was born May 22, 1932, in Glenwood, Arkansas, to Minnie Hendon Haggard and Hallie Haggard.

He was a graduate of Glenwood High School and Henderson State Teacher College (now Henderson State University). In 1958, he graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine and then completed his internship at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock. He served as a captain in the United States Army Medical Corps from 1959-1961. He served in Korea as a surgeon in the 18th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH). After his honorable discharge, he completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology under the Louisiana State University School of Medicine at Charity Hospital in New Orleans. In 1964, he returned to Hot Springs and joined the Burton-Eisele Clinic. He received his board certification from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1967, and continued his practice as a partner in the Burton-Eisele Clinic (now CHI St. Vincent Women’s Clinic) until his retirement in 2002. Dr. Haggard had a passion for medicine and his patients, and he felt fortunate to practice with the skilled surgeons of the Burton-Eisele Clinic. He was honored to serve as president of the Garland County Medical Society and was a member of First United Methodist Church.

Dr. Haggard came from humble beginnings. The course of his life changed when the Glenwood community recognized his potential and suggested that he attend college. They supported him throughout his years of education. This inspired his generous spirit, for which he was well known.

Upon retirement, Dr. Haggard spent many hours tending to his garden. He enjoyed golfing with his wife, Holly, and his lifelong friends. When he could no longer golf, he looked forward to his weekly, spirited games of gin rummy with his dear friend, Jim Geurin. He enjoyed time spent at Oaklawn handicapping horses from his Terrace level box, racing his own thoroughbreds, and working in the track’s first aid room. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren. He took an active part in their lives and loved giving them advice. He was rewarded by seeing them become caring, thoughtful adults.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Harlo Haggard, Marlin Haggard and Gary Haggard; his sister Dorothy Haggard Wright; and brother-in-law, Darrell Wright. For 38 years, he was the beloved husband of Holly Holt Haggard; and a loving father of two daughters and sons-in-law, Stacy and Brad Hudgens of Hot Springs, and Shannon and Bill Ahlbrandt of Little Rock; four grandchildren, Dr. Allison Hudgens Dinehart (Dr. Matt Dinehart), John Bradford Hudgens (Justina), Alec Ahlbrandt and Adrian Ahlbrandt; great-granddaughter, Astrid Dinehart; the mother of his children, Joan H. Adkins; sister-in- law, Beverly Haggard of Hatch, NM; and many nieces and nephews.

The family extends its sincere thanks to Doctors Mary and Robert Searcy, the nursing staff of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, Dr. Shauna Lucas, Dr. Kyle Roper, Dr. Shane Hardin, and Dr. Justin Dowdy.

A reception honoring his life will be held in the Christian Life Center at First United Methodist Church on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. A private service for family will precede the reception. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made in his name to First United Methodist Church Hot Springs, 1100 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901 or Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 208 Bethel Road, Box 315, Glenwood, Arkansas 71943.

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Suite B1, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section.

www.arkansascremation.com