Michael Hilley

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mr. Michael Hilley, 52, of Jacksonville, will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Leatherwood Baptist Church. Bro. Leslee Bailey and Bro. John Duncan will be officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:00 – 1:00 PM prior to the service. Michael will be laid to rest in Rainbow Memorial Gardens immediately following the service.

Michael gained his eternal reward, meeting his Lord and Savior face to face, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Hilley.

Those left to cherish the beloved memory of Michael include his devoted wife of 30 years, Susan Hilley; his loving son, Chris Hilley (Anna); his adored grandchildren, Clara and Nathan Hilley; his mother, Linda Hilley; his sister, Cynthia Hilley; numerous nieces and nephews; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ray and Jan Christopher; two sisters-in-law, Stefanie Watts and Tiffanie Dew (Shane); and his brother-in-law, Bo Christopher (Lacie).

Pallbearers will be Brandon Averrill, Roderick Chambers, Christian Fitch, Curtis Forbus, Nick Hill, Eric Hood, Robby Robinson, and Ed Turner.

Michael graduated from Glencoe High School in 1991, where he was 6th in his class. Following graduation, Michael attended JSU where he obtained his bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a major concentration in Law Enforcement and a minor in Forensics. During Michael's studies at JSU he worked as an intern with Glencoe Police Department, then was hired by Attalla Police department where he was sponsored by name for the Reserve Academy and graduated in 1997. After graduating from the academy, Michael worked for Gadsden Police Department until 2002, then transferred to Oxford Police Department and worked there until 2005. In 2005, Michael began working for the Bureau of Pardons and Paroles where he worked until his passing. Michael was a devoted and faithful Christian and was a member of Tredegar Chapel Congregational Holiness Church. Michael was a man of much integrity, excelling in all he did. He was a high achiever, extremely passionate in all areas of his life, and was an amazing husband, father, son and Pappy. Michael adored his grandbabies and loved spending time with his family. In his spare time, he enjoyed working part-time for BRW where he drove a semi-truck, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Michael also loved all things train related, to include hobby trains and large trains, and was also enamored with oversized equipment. In all areas of his life, Michael was a hard worker and provider for his family and never wavered to make them feel loved and cared for. There is an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who loved Michael and he will never be forgotten for the incredible man he was.