Boyd Hillis passed away on April 6, 2026 at the age of 88. He was born on September 19, 1937, in Springer, New Mexico, to parents Mary (Griggs) and Melvin J. Hillis. Boyd will be remembered as a devoted, faithful, generous, gentle, hard-working, honest, kind-hearted, and wise man who quietly shaped the lives of those around him through steady love, service, and integrity.
In late fall of 1937, the family moved to Oregon. As he grew older, Boyd worked every day on the family farm—breaking horses and raising pigs, rabbits, chickens, and cows, along with several crops. In December of 1949, the family moved back to New Mexico, eventually settling in Clovis, New Mexico, where Boyd continued to learn the value of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance.
While in Clovis, Boyd’s dad bought a Texaco station, where Boyd worked with his brothers and dad pumping gas, working on cars, and doing anything else that needed done. After the family sold the gas station and moved to Seattle, Boyd remained in Clovis and worked on a dairy farm for room and board.
In May of 1956, Boyd enlisted in the US Navy, where he proudly served, with his final assignment aboard the U.S.S. John R. Craig DD-885. Following his military service, he built a long and dedicated career with Scott Paper Company, retiring as the Pulp Mill Maintenance Supervisor.
Boyd married Joyce Eisele on October 16, 1959, in Lake Stevens, WA. They moved into the home he built with the help of his brothers in 1967 and remained until his passing. Together they established a life centered on family, faith, and the simple joys of time spent together.
Throughout his life, Boyd always loved raising and riding horses. He loved taking his family—and the kids’ friends—camping, and he especially enjoyed fishing and being in the great outdoors. These were not just hobbies, but a reflection of who he was: steady, patient, and deeply appreciative of God’s creation.
Boyd loved the Lord and treasured his time with his church family at Lake Stevens Assembly of God.. He served in many ways over the years, building the church, being on the church board, leading Royal Rangers, and faithfully attending church as he served his Lord and Savior with humility and consistency.
Boyd is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Hillis; his daughter Christine, and husband Dan of Spokane, Washington; and his son Dr. Stephen, and his wife, Alex Hillis, of Lakewood, Washington.
He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, Meghan (Zen), Ashley, Austin, Madison, Matthew (Christina), Stephanie, 2 great grandchildren, Penny, Jasper and a sister Lois Polk.
Boyd was preceded in death by 1 sister and 7 brothers.
A Memorial Gathering will be held at Lake Stevens Assembly of God Church, Fellowship Hall, 9805 31st Pl NE, Lake Stevens, WA 98258, on April 19, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm.
Final resting place will be in the Washington State Veterans Cemetery at Medical Lake, WA.
