Brian C. Hillyer

Brian Craig Hillyer, 76, of Uhrichsville, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Trinity Hospital Twin City in Dennison, following an apparent heart attack. Born June 17, 1947 in the same hospital, he was a son of the late Edwin Bower Hillyer and Marcella Irene (Staten) Hillyer.

After his 1965 graduation from Dennison High School, Brian attended Ohio University and later earned an Associates Degree at Kent State University. He began his long career in the telephone industry by working at Ohio Bell, eventually retiring from AT&T after 36 years of employment. In retirement, he enjoyed working at the Twin City Pharmacy in Dennison for 5 years and, finally, spent 2 years employed by Menard’s in New Philadelphia.

A man of many interests, Brian enjoyed woodworking in his shop where he made everything from pens to furniture, and he was also an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved spending time on his tractor and could often be found in his “happy place” – otherwise known as mowing. Along with his wife, Brian belonged to Classic Glass Corvette Club in New Philadelphia and proudly owned his own Corvette. In his younger years, he played semi-pro football with the Tuscarawas County Vikings. He was a longtime member of Park Christian Church in Dennison, as well.

On April 23, 1966, Brian married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Marie A. “Toni” (Green) Hillyer, who survives him along with their daughters, Heather (Carl) Sowers, Pamela (Toby) Edwards, Jennifer (John) Smith, and Christine (Steve) Mitchell; grandchildren, Bryant (Kylie) Sowers, Logan Sowers, Courtney Sowers, Laycee (Trevor) Striker, Riley Deardorff, Sydney Deardorff, Eddie Edwards, Alexis (fiancé, Hayden McAfee) Smith, Jake Smith, Peyton Smith, Brayden (Megan) Mitchell, and Cayleah (Braxton) Fulp; and great-grandchildren, Madison, Camden, Lilah, Branson, Ember, Elliot, Hayes, Cooper, Cole, and Laikyn. He is also survived by his brother, Randy (Marian) Hillyer; sisters, Deb (Dale) Peterman and Cindy (Joel) Peterson; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Karen Kirk and Lorie Hillyer, and a grandson, Zachary West.

Brian's family will receive guests for one hour, beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, in the sanctuary of Park Christian Church in Dennison. Visitation will be immediately followed by a celebration of his life, officiated by Pastor Dave Bryan, at 2:00 p.m. Those wishing to honor his memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to the Rainbow Connection, 119 3rd St. N.W., New Philadelphia, OH  44663 and the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, 1432 Tall Timber Rd. N.E., New Philadelphia, OH  44663.