Billy Ray Hillis

Billy Ray Hillis, loving husband, adoring father, grandfather, great-grandfather, combat veteran, sportsman, gentleman, and friend passed peacefully from this Earth on Sunday October 11, 2009.

Born in Hazelgreen, Alabama and raised in Woodbury, Tennessee, Mr. Hillis joined the Untied States Air Force and spent the majority of his 20-year career maintaining our nation's front-line fighter and bomber aircraft.

Following retirement from the Air Force, he continued serving the residents of Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding area in his second 20-year career as a valued member of the city's public works department.

Mr. Hillis was preceded in death by his parents Garrison and Marie Tenpenney Hillis.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years Lyda Sue Markum Hillis; son Timothy Ray Hillis; daughters Tambri Sue McKinney, Tory Lynn Hillis, Christin Lynn Hillis; four grandchildren Shandra Raye Hillis, Timothy Ray Hillis, Jr., Zachary Payton Hillis, and Nathan Tapp Hillis; a great-granddaughter, Lilly "LuLu" Braden; daughter-in-law, Denise Hillis; grandson-in-law, Thomas Braden; and his hunting and fishing son-in-law buddy, George H. McKinney.

Mr. Hillis also leaves many treasured friends and neighbors.

A private memorial will be held at a future date.

Donations may be made in Billy's name to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.