William Paul Hilliard, 85, went home with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, November 30, 2023. He was born on October 7, 1938 to Joseph and Mable (Turner) Hilliard in Stanley, VA.
Bill graduated from Stanley High School in the Class of 1958. He would go on to marry his high school sweetheart, Shirley Hansbrough, on October 18, 1958 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Shenandoah, VA. They celebrated 65 years of marriage together.
One of Bill’s greatest attributes was his hard work ethic which he instilled in his children. Bill would have a lifelong career in the door manufacturing industry, working at various companies throughout the years. He started with sweeping the floors and quickly climbed the ranks to become the general manager; often saying that they manufactured 17,000 doors a day. Bill was also a registered barber working alongside his four brothers.
Bill was a family man at heart; one of his favorite things was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved them deeply and they were his pride and joy. Bill was known as a kind, humble, respectful man; always treating others the same way he wanted to be treated. He was financially minded and is candidly remembered for checking the stock market daily. In his free time, Bill enjoyed golfing, bowling, and playing softball. In his high school years, he played basketball and baseball. Bill was a dedicated sports fan.
He was also an avid member of his church throughout his life, serving on various committees or the church council. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran in Donaldson, IN for 24 years, Christ the King Lutheran Church in Muscle Shoals, AL for 20 years, and most recently the Church of the Brethren in Plymouth, IN for the last 5 years.
Bill is survived by his wife, Shirley; children, Tamera (James) Greenlee, W. Scott (Traci) Hilliard, and Jodi (Derek) Eveland all of Plymouth; grandchildren, Ashley Lynne, Shana, Ashley Marie, Bailey, Riley, Olivia, and Clay; 5 great-grandchildren; sister, Joyce (late husband – Doug) Comer of Stanley, VA along with several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are brothers-in-law, Fred (Pat) Jenkins, Jim (late wife – Barb) Hansbrough, Ronnie (Judy) Painter, and Harold (Brenda) Marshall.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mable; siblings, Emmett (Myrtle) Hilliard, Willard (Frances) Hilliard, Lillard (Joann) Hilliard, Layton (Ethel) Hilliard, Adolph (Alita) Hilliard, and Marie (Joe) Stoneburger; and brother-in-law; John (Carolyn) Hansbrough.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 8, 2023 from 12:30-2:30PM at the Church of the Brethren, 1130 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563. The funeral service will immediately follow at 2:30PM with Pastor Deb Cook officiating.
Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.
In honor of Bill, memorial contributions can be made to the Church of the Brethren, 1130 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563.
Service
Visitation
Church of the Brethren
1130 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Funeral Service
Church of the Brethren
1130 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563
2:30pm
Graveside Service
Oak Hill Cemetery
1300 Chester Street, Plymouth, IN 46563
3:30pm
Linda Pratt says
Shirley, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great man! My boys looked up to him and always appreciated his support. Kenny, Carl, Eli send their love too with me. I m praying for Gods love to support you. MuchLove
Shirley says
Thanks Linda, he loved his church and your family!
Linda Pratt says
Shirley, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great man! My boys looked up to him and always appreciated his support. Kenny, Carl, Eli send their love too with me. I m praying for Gods love to support you. MuchLove
Larry and Nancy McPherron says
Shirley Words cannot express how sorry we are for you . Praying God will wrap His arms around you and give you comfort.
Shirley says
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!
Ken Fox says
So sorry to hear of your loss Hilliard family … I will be praying for you!
Shirley says
Thank you!
Betty kaser says
Shirley and family, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Shirley says
Thank you!
Shirley says
Thank you Betty!
Brenda Gibbons-Case says
So very sorry for your loss. Bill was such a sweet soul. Thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Shirley says
Thanks Brenda, we sure will miss him and appreciate your mom coming to see us!
JOAN NEWSOME says
Shirley and your family –
So sorry for your loss. My sympathy and prayers go out to
you and your family. I will be praying for you. As I can say
it is not easy.
Joan Ellen
Shirley says
Thanks Joan Ellen and you’re right, it’s not easy!
Philip Orsino says
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. I only have the fondest memories of Bill as an important member of our team at Masonite.
To all of his family and friends please accept my deepest sympathies.
Philip Orsino
Shirley Hilliard says
Thanks so much, he loved his door family and I’m sure he’s checking out the gates of heaven!
Jane Pollitt says
Ashley,
So sorry for your loss.
On behalf of your Friends at Marshall Starke Head Start and Early Head Start,
Sincerely,
Jane Pollitt
Jeff Hodgson says
Ashley,
So sorry for your loss.
On behalf of your Friends at Marshall Starke Head Start and Early Head Start,
Sincerely,
Jane Pollitt
DEBORAH HARRISON says
Jodi and Family.
I was so sorry to read of your father’s passing. May your memories keep you and offer comfort and peace.
Sincerely,
Debby Harrison
Jodi and family 🤍 says
Thank you so much Deb! He is celebrating with our Lord. Appreciate your thoughts and prayers.