Ruth Hillman

Ruth Priest Hillman died at Spring Arbor, Williamsburg, Virginia, on Tuesday, July 2, where she spent the last six years of her life. Born December 11, 1911 in Butlerville, Arkansas, she was raised in a devout, Christian home by Jim and Keron Short among seven siblings. As a youth, she was an ardent and accomplished basketball player. As an adult, she enjoyed dancing and bowling, and became a successful realtor in Memphis, Tennessee where she lived for most of her life. After her husband, Emmett Priest died, she married Earl Hillman, who was a graduate of the College of William & Mary and a captain of the William & Mary football team in the 1930’s. They traveled the world together, as he was a retired Naval officer. Some of their travels were in support of W & M’s athletic teams. Upon his death, Ruth moved to Williamsburg to be near her daughter, Emily McCardle. She was preceded in death by two husbands, baby daughter, Norma Jean, and three stepsons. She leaves her son, Nelson Priest and wife, Nancy of Denver, CO; daughter, Emily McCardle and husband, Larry; and stepson, John Hillman and wife, Susan of Asheville, NC. Also cherishing her sweet and humorous spirit are grandsons, Lance and Hunter McCardle and their wives and children, of Charlottesville, VA. Her ashes will be interred beside Emmett Priest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Memphis, TN at a later date. She adored babies and little children; therefore, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org. Online condolences may be expressed at www.nelsencares.com.