McMinnville resident and Van Buren County native Kelly R. Hillis, 91, was born June 9, 1925 and died Dec. 14 at Hospice of Chattanooga Care Center following a sudden illness.
Retired from Coca-Cola Bottling Works of Tullahoma and a member of the Church of Christ, he was the son of the late Roswell Isaac and Nettie Ethel Kell Hillis. He was married to Essie Etheleen Stanley Hillis, who preceded him in death on June 10, 2015. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Doyle and J.F. Hillis; and four sisters, Robbie Hitchcock, Minnie Grissom, Katherine Jones and Rose Walker.
He is survived by two sons and daughter-in-law, John Hillis of McMinnville and Stanley and Sandra Hillis of McMinnville; six grandchildren and spouses, Jason R. Hillis, Amanda D. and Tim Gann, Megan L. and Sam Patton, and Aimee L. and Ronnie Bielling, all of McMinnville, Karrie E. and Chris Jennings of Fountain Inn, S.C., and Ryan C. and Julie Hillis of Simpsonville, S.C.; 14 great-grandchildren; sister Clara Barton Smith of West Palm Beach, Fla.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A graveside service and interment will be held at 12 p.m. Friday at Crain Hill Cemetery with Jackie Matheny officiating. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at High’s. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels. Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com
High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.