When I come to the river at the ending of day; When the last winds of sorrow have blown; There'll be somebody waiting to show me the way; I won't have to cross Jordan alone – a song Clyde loved to sing!
Clyde Abram Hillis, age 80, was not alone when he crossed that Jordan River on March 14, 2014 with family at his bedside. Born on September 13, 1933, Clyde was one of seventeen children born to Reverend Lloyd and Josephine Hillis. Clyde was fourteen years old when his father was appointed to the pastorate at Bethel Church of God in Lake Park, Georgia and it was there where he met his wife of 63 years, the former Frances Janet Kinsey. It was love at first sight. When Clyde's parents moved in September 1950, Clyde remained in Echols County and on June 30, 1951 married Janet "Jeanette".
Clyde worked with the construction company that built the paper mill in Clyattville, GA. On November 30, 1953 he was one of the first eight people hired at the National Container/Owens-Illlinois Paper Mill, now PCA. He retired in 1998 with 45 years of service.
Clyde was a devoted husband and daddy. He instilled moral values in his children, taught them about God and encouraged them to always stand for what is right, even though they may have to stand alone. He was a role model and inspiration to his family and to those who knew him.
Through the years Clyde and his family faced some hardships but faith in God provided the solid foundation which resulted in a happy marriage and a happy home. Clyde's passion was singing and playing the guitar in church. He was faithful to this calling until his health declined to the point he could no longer attend church.
He leaves behind his wife, Jeanette of Echols County; children, Laquita (Jim) Johnson of Echols County, Brenda Cofer of Winter Haven, Florida, Twyla (Anthony) Gribble , Dwayne (Kim) Hillis of Echols County; grandchildren, Michelle (Jason) Hughes, Shannon (Tracie) Ellenberg, Michael (Ashlee) Cofer, Patrick (Carly) Ellenberg, Michael (Kelly) Gribble, Brandi Hillis and Dalton Hillis; great grandchildren, Caleb Hughes, Alyssa Ellenberg, Jaden Hughes, Alexis Ellenberg, Emily Cofer, Emilia Hillis, Drew Gribble, Kinsey Hughes, Joshua Cofer, Craven Ellenberg and Audrey Gribble; a sister, Barbara Plott; brothers, Earl Hillis and Joseph Hillis and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Ashley Gribble and Dakotah Hillis and thirteen siblings.
A home going celebration will be held today, Sunday, March 16, 2014, at Bethel Church of God in Echols County at 4:00 p.m. Viewing will be at the church Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Reverend Wayne Owens and Reverend Skip Van Nus will officiate. Interment will be at Wright's Chapel Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Halcyon Hospice. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home is serving the Hillis family.
Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602
Bethel Church of God
Bethel Church of God
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