Harry Lee Hillery, age 78, of Bluff City, TN, passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2021. He was a member of the Windsor Ave Presbyterian Church and also involved with the Special Friendship class at First Presbyterian Church, Florida Ave, Bristol, Tennessee.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Hillery, and his mother, Edna Wood Hillery. He is survived by his brother, Porter Hillery of Bluff City TN; his sister, Kathy Langdon of Muncie, IN; his housemate, Rickey; his “sweetie”, Jana; special friends, Jo Ann Hopkins, Miranda Eck, Paige Evans, Amber Greer, Ralph Parnow, and Jennifer Guinn. As well as his many friends at Frontier Industries of Bristol & Residential Services.
Harry loved the Lord and had a strong faith in the power of prayer. He lived out 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
He often would ask anyone he encountered, even strangers, “You been praying ’bout me?”, “You put me on your prayer list at church? I put you on mine.” Harry never met a stranger and loved talking to people. He would proudly show off his scrub uniforms he wore on a daily basis. He would point to the name on the jacket and talk about that doctor. He really loved Dr. Grat Correll and his staff, who often provided Harry with some of his beloved scrubs.
Harry enjoyed church and being an active member. He loved ringing the bell for services and singing (often very loudly) his favorite songs such as I’ll Fly Away and When the Roll is Called Up Yonder. When his minister was asked to identify some natural supports in the church for Harry, the minister responded that everyone loved him so much, the entire church could be considered natural supports.
A graveside service will be held 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at Shipley Cemetery with Rev. Sam Weddington officiating.
Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Arrangements have been made with Weaver Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
I’m sure where Harry is now, up in heaven, smiling and out-singing all of the angels. He was a very special person, always happy, and able to make everyone’s day better, just by spending time with him. I have often laughed to myself, thinking about some of the hilarious things he did in class. He was always ready to go out, even though he may not have felt his best, and would say, “I be alright, I’m ok, I go see my buddy.” He especially had several people waiting to see and talk to him, when delivering Meals On Wheels, and they would tell staff that they just loved him, and would ask about him, if he wasn’t there to hand them their meals. I will surely miss him, but he will not be forgotten, for he made such a big impact on so many lives. I love you Harry, and am looking forward to seeing you again some day, and we can sing together again.
Harry was an inspiration to us all at Windsor Ave. Presbyterian Church. He was so devoted to the church and enjoyed anything we did. He was in our Sunday School class and would set quietly and laugh at different comments. He was always asking for prayers for his friends and family, a true prayer warrior. Our members will always remember Harry. We are thankful he is now (without any doubt) in the presence of the Lord, whole and happy. Harry you made a mark on all of us.
I first met Harry in 2003 or 2004. He was living on Anderson Street. His housemate called him “” Money Bags”” He would listen to the radio a lot, country music, and Sunday Preaching..He always asked me “” When you come to see me ??”” You will NEVER be forgotten. C U Later my friend.