Hershel L. Hillis, 77, of McMinnville passed away Oct. 26 after an extended illness.
Mr. Hillis was preceded in death by his parents, Audrey B. and Willie Hillis and wife, Nadine Rogers Hillis.
Born in Warren County on Nov. 21, 1942, Mr. Hillis made Warren County his lifelong home but nevertheless, was a storied traveler, logging over a million miles as a cross-country truck driver for Batesville. During his tenure, he traveled to all 48 contiguous states and parts of Canada. His love of the road could also be found in his fondness for antique cars. However, no hobby or activity could compare to the love he held for his friends and family.
On Oct. 27, 1962, he married the love of his life, Nadine Rogers, and the couple raised their children in a home full of warmth, kindness and faithfulness. Mr. Hillis was a devoted member of Philadelphia The Baptist Church and an Army National Guard Veteran. He was also well known for his hearty laugh and his uncanny ability to weave a captivating story from his years on the road. He never ran short of tall tales nor did he run short of folks lined up to hear about his adventures.
Mr. Hillis is survived by his son, Greg (Charlotte) Hillis of McMinnville, daughter, Kim (John) Chisam of McMinnville, grandsons Dustin (Kevin) Chisam of McMinnville, and David Hillis of Kennesaw, Ga., granddaughter Nika Bolhuis of Calhoun, Ga., brothers Harold B. (Jeri) Hillis and Darrell (Rhonda) Hillis, both of McMinnville, sister Donna (Rick) Vandygriff of Morrison, special great-niece Hillari Hale, five nephews Dickey (Tawana) Hillis, Joshua Logan Vandygriff, Braeden Hillis Vandygriff, Jamie (Beverly) Hollis and Nick (Melissa) Hollis, three nieces, Vickey (Tommy) Moore, Mandy (Craig) Norris and Conethia Cantrell, and a host of extended family and special friends.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 2 to 8 p.m., and again from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, at High Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow Thursday’s visitation at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Bros. Dennis Wood and Barry Whitaker officiating. Interment will be at Philadelphia Cemetery in Grundy County. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Philadelphia Cemetery, c/o Charles Killian, 555 Wanamaker Rd., McMinnville, TN 37110.
Murfreesboro Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, in conjunction with High Funeral Home.
Southern Standard
(McMinnville, Tenn.) Oct. 28, 2020
