August Francis Hilleke Jr.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 76 years, Frances, and a son, Thomas Michael.

He is survived by a daughter, Sandra and husband, Bill Ziegler (Bedford, Pa.); sons, Frank W. and wife, Sheila (Northport, Ala.) and William (Bill) D. and wife, Denise (Quinton, Ala.); grandchildren, Wendy, Dustin, Leasha, Ginger, Pepper, Tommy and Katie; and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was a veteran of World War II, Battle of the Bulge. After the war, he worked as a professional mining engineer for Republic Steele for almost 40 years. After retiring, he worked at the University of Alabama Mineral Resources Institute for more than 12 years.

He was a devoted husband to Frances and ever-present father to his four children, from dance lessons to baseball games, coaching and encouraging, teaching life lessons as he went. He was a life-long athlete playing baseball, jogging, golfing and ending his 98 years as an everyday visitor at Northridge Fitness Center. He was a faithful servant of the Lord at St. Mark United Methodist Church for more than 45 years. His was truly a life well lived!

Our heart-felt appreciation goes to Tracy Daniels, Tonya Trawick, Carolyn Maddox, Alacare Home Health and Hospice Services, and Pine Valley Home Health Services for their kind and gracious care.

There will be a private graveside service and later a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at St. Mark United Methodist Church.

In lieu in flowers, please send donations to St. Mark United Methodist Church Food Pantry or Same Ten.