Rev. Cecil Hillis

Rev. Cecil Eugene Hillis, 81, of Poplar Bluff, went to his Heavenly home Monday, October 15, 2012, at his residence. Mr. Hillis was born April 19, 1931, in Poplar Bluff, Mo., to the late Walter Charles Hillis and Eva Marie (Strange) Hillis. He was a lifetime resident of Butler County. Mr. Hillis was an ordained Southern Baptist Minister and Deacon. He was brick and masonry layer by trade. He enjoyed laying bricks, playing volleyball with the children and grandchildren and loved doing auctions. He also owned and operated three school buses for years. He was a member of Fairview Southern Baptist Church where he was the song leader. He pastored many churches in the area. On January 13, 1952, he married Genevia (Chatman) at Harviell, Mo. She survives. Also surviving are his children, Lawrence Eugene Hillis and his wife, Janet of Poplar Bluff, Gracie Ann Holford and husband, Richard of Alamogordo, New Mexico., Teddy Mack Hillis and his wife, Cheryl of Noble Oklahoma, Nancy June Dunivan and husband, Chris of Poplar Bluff; one sister, Lola Feverston of Poplar Bluff and one brother, Arthur Hillis of Poplar Bluff; sixteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Eva Hillis; his sisters, Dessie Mae Hillis, Ethel Welch and Dorothy Mayes; four brothers, Ernie Hillis, Verley Hillis Willard Hillis and Charles Hillis. Visitation for Rev. Hillis will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, October 19, 2012 at Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home, 844 Cedar Street, Poplar Bluff, Mo. Funeral services will be held at 11am Saturday, October 20, 2012 in the chapel with Rev. Ralph Mayes and Rev Jerry Metcalf officiating. Burial will be in Dunning Cemetery.