Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

October 29, 2025

On October 29, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina, following dementia and a traumatic brain injury sustained from a fall - and after the blessing of a precious few days surrounded by his beloved family - William (Bill) James Hillier passed peacefully into the waiting arms of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Bill is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Donna (Sargent) Hillier; his beloved children, Penny (Rob) Hillier-Ward of Oakville, Ontario, Todd (Perry) Hillier of San Antonio, Texas, and Colleen (Daniel) Cook of Charlotte, North Carolina; and his cherished grandchildren: Spencer (Dorothy) Ward, Shelby Ward (and partner Jacob Zhang), Elizabeth, Emma, and William Cook, and Harrison and Fitzgerald Hillier. He is also survived by his dear older brother, John (MaryBelle) Hillier; brothers-in-law, Keith McKee and Frank Sargent; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his proud and devoted parents, Hugh and Ella Hillier; his adored older sister, Pauline, and her husband, Harry Toenjes; and his loving and spirited twin sister, Mildred "Millie" (Keith) McKee.

Bill and his twin sister, Millie, were born on July 16, 1940, in the close-knit rural community of Camlachie, Ontario. Their mother, Ella, would often joke that she got "two for one" that day. Bill was an excellent student, a gifted athlete, and a faithful servant of Christ. Throughout his life, he frequently reflected on how his family and upbringing on the farm shaped the man he became: anything worth doing is worth doing well; your word is your covenant; if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything; do unto others as you would have them do unto you; live with unwavering devotion to God; family love is unconditional-it carries you through life's highs and is the soft place to land in times of trouble.

Bill earned a full scholarship to the University of Waterloo, graduating summa cum laude in 1964 with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering, and shortly thereafter attained his P.Eng. designation. He remained a fiercely proud lifelong ambassador for his alma mater. After graduation, he married the love of his life, Donna, and the two moved to Edmonton, Alberta, where Bill completed his Master of Science in Chemical Engineering. While working for Sunoco in Philadelphia, they welcomed their daughter, Penelope (Penny), and son, Todd. In 1975, a transfer to the Suncor refinery in Sarnia, Ontario, brought them back closer to home, where their daughter, Colleen, was born. They later moved to Toronto, and in 1990, Bill accepted a position with The M.W. Kellogg Company in Houston, Texas - an opportunity that led to designing refineries around the world and earning patents in his name. Even after retirement, he continued consulting for Halliburton. Wherever he lived, Bill remained active in his church and sought ways to serve through mentoring, pastoral care, and mission work. For him, life was never about accolades - though there were many - it was about purpose, service, and faith.

Bill wore many hats throughout his life and cherished them all, but "Dad" and later "Papa" were the titles that made his heart sing. Nothing brought him more joy than time spent with Donna, his children, their spouses, and his grandchildren. He loved a good party - especially if sweets were involved - and delighted in every opportunity to gather his people to celebrate life's big and small moments. He will be remembered always for his unconditional love, unwavering devotion, patient and compassionate spirit, wise counsel, intelligence and curiosity, and the wholehearted enthusiasm with which he cheered on those he loved.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the entire team at Amada Senior Care for the compassionate care given to "Mr. Bill" over the past few months, especially in his final days. Brad Smith and Ivy Palmer, in particular, were absolute God-sends.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Forest Hill Church - South Park, 7224 Park Road, Charlotte, NC. A visitation will take place thirty minutes prior to the service. In honor of Bill, please wear something blue - his favorite color. A Celebration of Life will be held in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada at a later date.

The family welcomes memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Association, the American Red Cross, Canadian Blood Services, Camlachie United Church, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.