ROBERT Henry "Bob" HILLEY III

1946 - 2017

Robert "Bob" Henry Hilley III, age 71, died on Friday, July 14, 2017, at Saint Agnes Medical Center after a battle with a neuromuscular disease. Bob was born on May 8, 1946, in Visalia, CA. He was the only child of Robert Henry Hilley, Jr., and Lillian (Downes) Hilley, both are deceased. He was adored by his parents, aunts, uncles and cousins, as he was the only boy in an extended family full of girls. Bob was known as a practical jokester and almost all who knew him have an interesting or funny story to tell. Bob graduated from Mount Whitney High School in 1964. Bob is a veteran of the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968, where he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. While stationed in Vietnam, he received the Army Commendation Medal for Outstanding Service. Upon his honorable discharge from the United States Army, he joined the Tulare County Sheriffs Department in August 1968. Bob then joined the California Highway Patrol in May 1969, and transferred to Central (Fresno) Division in August 1973. He joined Central Division Air Operations in May 1985 as a Flight Officer/Paramedic. He retired from the Highway Patrol in December 2001. Bob enjoyed fishing, water sports, farming and going on cruise vacations. His biggest accomplishment was his family and especially his grandchildren. Bob was a friend to many and hero to his wife, children and grandchildren. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Margaret; four children, Robert "Bobby" Hilley IV, Michael Hilley, Troy Ferring, and Lynette Moore. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Jordan, Grace, Dane, Belen, Hannah, Caleb and Lilah. A Funeral Service will be held at Visalia Cemetery Pavilion, 1300 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291, on Friday, July 21, 2017, at 9:00 a.m. Tributes and condolences may be made at millerchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA, 559-732-8361.