A powerful singing voice has joined the heavenly chorus, praising God in eternity.
James Houston (Dickie) Hillis, Sr., sang a commanding bass in the popular and widely traveled Harmony Echoes Quartet for 42 years. He was also a stalwart in the lower registers in singing at his home church, Rockliff Church of Christ.
Throughout his life he struggled with a speech impediment, but his singing was impressively rich, strong and assured. He died Saturday, Sept. 2, after an extended illness.
Born April 17 1939, Hillis graduated McMinnville Central High School in the Class of 1958. While serving with the US Army’s 11th Airborne Division at Ft. Carson Col., 1958-1960, he suffered a broken leg in paratrooper training.
On his return to his hometown, he entered the law enforcement profession, serving with the McMinnville Police Department and later the Warren County Sheriff’s Department.
Thereafter Hillis launched his career in banking, serving as an officer with the former City Bank & Trust Company for 36 years, Union Planters Banks for three years and finally Homeland Community Bank for four years.
At the latter institution he was a founding member and was instrumental in Homeland’s organization and successful launch in 2003.
“I’ve known Dickie since we were in high school. I really thought a lot of him,” said Ray Talbert, president of Homeland Community Bank. Lauding his integrity in business and personal life, Talbert offered, “Whatever he told you, you could count on it.”
Thoughtful and conscientious in loan underwriting decisions, Hillis also had empathy for customers who struggled with making ends meet financially.
“He helped a lot of people and understood those with difficulties in their lives,” said Talbert, who had earlier worked with Hillis at City Bank & Trust Company.
“He had a lot of friends,” the Homeland Community Bank executive added. So many friends, in fact, that he was popularly known as “Dickie J,” with the surname omitted.
“Dicki J was as true a friend as anyone could ever hope to have,” said another former associate, retired City Bank & Trust Company President Jeff Golden, who shared memories with him at his bedside two days before his passing. “We talked so long I thought I was wearing out my welcome, but he didn’t want me to leave. He was in good spirits.”
Golden continued, “Dickie J was a very kind person. He communicated well with people. In fact, he could communicate effectively with people from all stations in life and all social and economic situations.”
A respected leader in business and the community, organizations were eager to engage his keen intelligence, expertise and sound judgment. He served on the board of directors of City Bank & Trust Company, West Warren-Viola Utility District, Caney Fork Electric Cooperative and the Joint Economic and Community Development Board.
An avid quail hunter, he was a part-time farmer, fond of his dogs and quarter horses, and was totally devoted to his family and country.
Further obituary information may be found on page 2A of today’s Southern Standard.
