John R. Hilyer, born May 30, 1941, passed away on July 2, 2026, at the age of 85. A resident of Childersburg, Alabama, John will be remembered as a devoted husband and father whose steady love for his family was evident in the life he built and the time he gave so freely. He embraced each day with an appreciation for living fully, finding joy in both simple routines and shared adventures.
John’s days were often happily spent at the beach, enjoying trips to the casinos, and making memories on family trips. He also took quiet satisfaction in piddling with his old trucks—work that reflected his patient, hands-on nature and his enjoyment of life’s familiar comforts. Above all, John’s care for others was felt around the table, and many will dearly miss the meals he prepared and the warmth that came with them.
John is survived by his wife, Gloria Jeanette Williams; his children, Susan Darlene Bowen (Jeffrey), Michael Allen Hilyer (Paige), and Leslie Lee Harbin (Steve); his grandchildren, Carrie Gable (Cory), Joni Ann Mask (Chad Rawls), Jessica Daniel (Brad), Kayla Elizabeth Durrett (Jeffery), Madison Faith Harbin, Candice Pate Reaves (Jeremy), Haley Pate Nixon (Michael West), and Lexi Pate (Brayden Jackson); his great-grandchildren, Libbi Beckman, Peyton Nixon, Casey Nixon, Emma Grace Golden (Jeremiah), Whitley Blythe Daniel, Macon Scout Daniel, Everett Jean Daniel, Marley Kate Mask, John Tuffer Gable, Eloise Claire Durrett, and his great-great grandchildren, Tripp Golden, and Millie Jane Durrett - arriving soon.
Visitation will be held at Radney-Smith Funeral Home, 320 North Elm Avenue, Sylacauga, Alabama 35150, on July 6, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. The Funeral Service will follow at Radney-Smith Funeral Home on July 6, 2026, beginning at 2:00 pm with Kenneth Oldfield officiating. Interment will take place at Tallasahatchie Cemetery, 3332 Tallasahatchie Rd, Alpine.
Pallbearers will be Steve Harbin, Jeffrey Bowen, Jeffery Durrett, Brad Daniel, Chad Rawls, and Jody Mask.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516.
In keeping with his spirit and the pride he carried:
“ROLL TIDE!”
