Paul Carl Hillis

Paul was lovingly known as “PC” or “Mr. Hillis” or “Papa Bear” and (we suspect his favorite moniker) “Dad”. He was the oldest of nine children of Geneva "Ginny" (Wyatt) Hillis and Kermit Hillis from Ravenna, Ohio.

As a teenager Paul enlisted with the United States Marine Corps in 1954 and later transitioned to the United States Air Force until his retirement in 1974 after 20 years of service.

Unbeknownst to young Paul, he would be blessed with two family dynamics during his lifetime.

In 1956, Paul married his first wife, Katherine Robinson Hillis. They had three sons and adopted two daughters.

Following a divorce from Katherine in 1977, Paul relocated to Stafford, Texas. Here, he met and married his second wife, the love of his life and soulmate, Carolyn Shaw Hillis. Together, they raised and loved Carolyn’s two children.

As an older college student, Paul enrolled and graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1986. Following graduation, he embarked on his second career as a high school geography teacher until he retired for his second and final time in 2001.

Paul gave his life and love to God, his country, his devoted wife and best friend, Carolyn of 45 years, and to his seven children, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Children, Michael Hillis and his wife, Monika, Steven Hillis and his wife Lonni, Timothy Hillis and his wife Jeannine, Roger Hobbs and his wife Dana, Jenifer Hillis Tuten (Patrick, passed 2021), Tonya Hobbs Newell and her husband, Russell and Deborah Hillis Yanagida and her husband, Hiroshi.

Paul never allowed dust to settle on his shoulders or grass to grow under his feet. He was involved in multiple extracurricular activities including Community Theater, active in Boy Scouts, announcing high school football games, square dancing, ushering and teaching Sunday school classes, writing articles for a local newspaper, painting yard figurines, volunteering to be the photographer at events and at family gatherings, and creating family photo calendars annually.

Paul loved God and his country first, his wife and soulmate second, Elvis third, and random family members would take fourth place (at miscellaneous times).

At Paul’s 80th birthday party, he expressed how elated he was to have his family and closest friends together in one place and that the only thing missing was Elvis . . . and unbeknownst to Paul, his children hired an Elvis impersonator who entered his 80th birthday party almost on cue.

Paul loved, and was loved, by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was the above-and-beyond type of worker and the type of friend any friend would be fortunate to have.

Paul’s unrelenting faith, devotion to his family and friends, unrivaled sense of humor, love of music, exemplary work ethic complemented with his “always go above and beyond” spirit, and his unrequited zeal for learning and living will be his legacy.

Paul was a blessing to his family and so many others and was always grateful for and humbled by his countless blessings.

Friends are invited to a visitation with the family from 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. on Monday, June 5, at First United Methodist Church, 3900 Lexington Blvd in Missouri City.

A Celebration of Paul’s Life will immediately follow the visitation, also at First United Methodist Church, 3900 Lexington Blvd in Missouri City, immediately following, all are invited to gather with the family and share remembrances of Paul's during a reception in the fellowship hall.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with his family at www.earthmansouthwest.com.