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.
Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be left to the family at the website: www.johnson-danielson.com
