William Thomas "Billy" Hiles Jr.

Mr. William Thomas Hiles Jr., better known by his family and friends as “Billy,” passed away Thursday, April 23, 2025, following several months of declining health.

Billy was born on April 19, 1948, the son of the late William Thomas Hills Sr. and Dorothy Newell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Louise Hiles and Ethel Hiles Harris.

Although he was born in middle Tennessee, he had lived most of his life in Gordon County and was retired from Southeastern Freight Lines as a professional truck driver after 21 years of service. In his earlier years, he was renowned in the Walking Horse World as an exceptional trainer and showman, where many sought his advice. He also enjoyed working with and riding Quarter & Paint Horses. Annually, he would attend various horse shows such as the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration located in Shelbyville, Tennessee. He was a man with many talents. He always prided himself on having the most well-kept lawn in the neighborhood. He was always trying to do something for others and was a man of his word. He loved his wife BJ, cherished his children, and adored his grandchildren. He was always involved in their endeavors. He was a spiritual man with so many close friends, too numerous to mention, and considered them part of his family. You could see him almost every day at his favorite diner, the Yellow Jacket, and he enjoyed country music and the old-style Blues.

Survivors include those who knew him the best and loved him the most; his loving wife of 20 years, BJ Hiles; his children who he loved dearly, daughters, Nikki (Trice) Barton, Brittany Cook, and Samantha Sisk; sons, Billy Hiles Jr., (Tongila) Kendrick Hiles, and Anthony Hiles and his fiancée Alissa; grandchildren, Shavanti, Aubrey, Candice, and Amber Hiles, Ty Hiles, Lance, Loren, Presley, and Penelope Hiles, Antaveus, and Ayla Hiles; brothers, Carl (Shirley) Hiles, and Howard (Susan) Hiles; his dog Patch: uncle, Thomas (Judy) Newell, along with several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A service to reflect upon and remember Billy’s life will be held Saturday, April 26th at 11:00 AM from the Max Brannon & Sons Funeral Home chapel. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, April 25th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on Saturday, from 10:00 AM until the funeral hour. Following the service, his request was to be cremated. The family asks that flowers be omitted. Please consider donating to one of the charities listed below in Memory of William Thomas "Billy" Hiles Jr. For convenience, you can contribute directly from this page below the obituary.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at AdventHealth for their compassionate care and professionalism over the past several months.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of William Thomas “Billy” Hiles Jr.