Earle James Hillier (April 11, 1931–July 6, 2025)

Earle was born April 11, 1931, in Torrance, CA to the late Harry Hillier and Elsie Hazlett Hillier. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Harry Hillier and Walter Hillier, wife Peggy Hillier, and son David Hillier. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Helen Hillier; daughters Brenda Johnston and Julia (Donald) Driggs (with Peggy); son Micah (Christina) Hillier (with Helen); 15 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. 

Earle lived most of his life in California. He was raised in a family who loved the Lord and served in the church (his father was a deacon in the American Baptist Church in Torrance). After graduating high school, Earle’s first job was as a tomato picker. Earle joined the Air Force and served during the Korean War. After his military service, he made a career working for the prestigious Los Angeles Times. After the tragedy of losing his first wife, Peggy, God blessed Earle with Helen, whom he married in 1976.  

Earle loved the Lord, his family, music, language, and telling stories of his travels around the world to everyone who would listen. Though Earle experienced great hardship and loss throughout his life, he would often praise God for His many blessings. Earle was known for his love of the Lord Jesus Christ. He often sang and quoted gospel songs about heaven, some of his favorites being “Face to Face,” “If We Never Meet Again This Side of Heaven,” and “At the Cross” (the version he learned from an Alaskan Christian in 1950). Earle was known for his quiet nature, firm commitments, love of the truth, and his desire to see everyone he met know about Jesus. He was known to bid farewell with the phrases, “Vaya con Dios” and “God be with you.” 

There will be a funeral service for Earle Hillier on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Harvest Baptist Church, 153 Miller Pond Road, Rock Hill, SC, 29732 with Rev. Marshall A. Fant IV officiating. A visitation will be held in the Welcome Center at the church starting at 10:00 AM. A private interment will follow at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

Condolences may be made at greenefuneralhome.net.