John Hillis Obituary
He was the son of the late Frank and Kathryn Hillis, and the brother of Kay (Cecil) Bradley of Inman, SC.
John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Charlotte; daughter, Kathryn (Paul) Hutcherson, Nolensville; son, John (Keri) Hillis, Jr of Franklin; and son, Joe (Stacia) Hillis of Hendersonville; sister, Kay (Cecil) Bradley of Inman, SC.
He is also survived by ten grandchildren, Lawson (Ashelyn) Stewart of Gallatin, Alexis Stewart of Hendersonville, Emerson and Allie Hutcherson of Nolensville, Jaden, Cole, and Lyla Hillis of Hendersonville, Khloe, Keegan, and Kash Hillis of Franklin; and one great grandson, Denim Stewart of Gallatin. There are many nieces and nephews.
John graduated from Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, MD, and then went on to receive a B.S. degree and Master of Public Health degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
After 12 years of working in healthcare, John was a civilian admin officer for the Navy in Millington, TN, until retirement.
John loved his children. You could find him at every cheerleading, pom squad, and soccer game that his daughter, Kathryn, was in. He also didn't miss any baseball game that his sons, John, and Joe would play.
For many years John worked with the hearing impaired at church and at work. He did not have the singing voice of many, but he would praise our Lord with his hands in sign language.
John rose every morning to send out Bible scriptures to the Brentwood Hills Church of Christ Sonshiner Senior members. He enjoyed being a Breakfast Brother and playing golf weekly with his church buddies.
John was a faithful member of Brentwood Hills Church of Christ. He will live in our hearts forever.
Memorial services will be conducted on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. (visitation 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.) at Brentwood Hills Church of Christ, 5120 Franklin Pike.
Honorary Pallbearers will be the Breakfast Brothers.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to one of the following:
The Christian Student Center UTK
1821 Melrose Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37919
or
Morning Star. Agape
4555 Trousdale Dr
Nashville, TN. 37204
or
Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
935 Edgehill Ave
Nashville, TN 37203
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