Obituary of Hershel L Hillis

Hershel L. Hillis, age 77, of McMinnville, Tennessee, passed away October 26, 2020, after an extended illness. Mr. Hillis was preceded in death by his parents, Audrey B. and Willie Hillis and wife, Nadine Rogers Hillis. Born in Warren County, on November 21, 1942, Mr. Hillis made Warren County his lifelong home but nevertheless, was a storied traveler; logging over a million miles as a cross-country truck driver for Batesville. During his tenure, he traveled to all 48 contiguous states and parts of Canada. His love of the road could also be found in his fondness for antique cars. However, no hobby or activity could compare to the love he held for his friends and family. On October 27, 1962, he married the love of his life, Nadine Rogers, and the couple raised their children in a home full of warmth, kindness and faithfulness. Mr. Hillis was a devoted member of Philadelphia The Baptist Church and an Army National Guard Veteran. He was also well known for his hearty laugh and his uncanny ability to weave a captivating story from his years on the road. He never ran short of tall tales nor did he run short of folks lined up to hear about his adventures. Mr. Hillis is survived by his son, Greg (Charlotte) Hillis of McMinnville, TN; daughter, Kim (John) Chisam of McMinnville, TN; grandsons, Dustin (Kevin) Chisam of McMinnville, TN and David Hillis of Kennesaw, GA; granddaughter, Nika Bolhuis of Calhoun, GA; brothers, Harold B. (Jeri) Hillis and Darrell (Rhonda) Hillis, both of McMinnville, TN; sister, Donna (Rick) Vandygriff of Morrison, TN; special great-niece, Hillari Hale; five nephews, Dickey (Tawana) Hillis, Joshua Logan Vandygriff, Braeden Hillis Vandygriff, Jamie (Beverly) Hollis and Nick (Melissa) Hollis; three nieces, Vickey (Tommy) Moore, Mandy (Craig) Norris and Conethia Cantrell; and a host of extended family and special friends. Visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2020, at High Funeral Home in McMinnville. Funeral Services will follow Thursday’s visitation at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Brothers Dennis Wood and Barry Whitaker officiating. Interment will be in Philadelphia Cemetery in Grundy County. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Philadelphia Cemetery, c/o Charles Killian, 555 Wanamaker Rd., McMinnville, TN 37110 Murfreesboro Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.