Skip to content

Obituaries

Ethel Dean “Grandgirl” Hilyer

Ethel Dean “Grandgirl” Hilyer, a resident of Rockford, passed away Sunday, May 21, 2023, at the age of 91. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie Hilyer; parents, Vilas O’Neal White and Valula Olene Downs; brother, James O’Neal White; and great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Joanna Byrd.

The family received friends Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Gassett Funeral Home. Funeral was held Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Providence Baptist Church with Rev. Jeff Hardy and Rev. Paul Shaw officiating. Burial followed at Swamp Creek Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Terry White, Todd White, Troy White, Chad White, Travis White, and Jeremy White. Honorary pallbearers were Charles Sims, Eddie Kelley, Bud Hilyer, Mike Hilyer, and Rick Hilyer.

She loved to read and cook for her family. She loved to have a lot of family and friends around and loved to play card games and watch Alabama football.

She is survived by her children, Sheila Ward, Jackie (Becki) Hilyer and Doyle (Kim) Hilyer; grandchildren Leslie (Michael) Wells, Beverly (Keith) Hay, Charlene (Tres) Nickolson, and Jason (Kelli) Hilyer; step-grandchildren Hannah (Heath) Jackson, Hilary (Tyler) Glass and Erin (Sarah) Thornton; great-grandchildren, Bailey (Alex) Bowen, Jacob (Emily) Byrd, Olivia (Kirklin Newsome) Hay, Reed (Grace) Nickolson, Chaz (Kate) Nickolson, Eden Nickolson, and Keira Hilyer; step-great-grandchildren, Abbie Wells, Alex Wells, Chaise (Gwen) Hay, Courtlyn Hay, Harper Thornton, and Hayden Jackson; great-great-grandchildren, Ava Nickolson, Charly Nickolson, Wren Nickolson, and great-great-grandson due in September; step-great-great-grandchildren, Kale Hay, Liam Hay, Harper Hay, and Tre’Lynn Tucker.

Flowers are welcome or other contributions can be sent to Swamp Creek Cemetery; 1714 Coosa County Road 3; Rockford, AL 35136.

 

W. A. King Jr.

 

Funeral service for W. A. King Jr., 86, of Sylacauga, was Sunday, May 21, 2023, at Radney-Smith Chapel with Bro. Tommy Thornton officiating. Burial was in Macedonia Cemetery in Sylacauga.

Mr. King died Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Bill Nichols State Veteran Home. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty King; father, Alfie King Sr.; mother, Ann Lee King; and sister, Daisy Bailey.

Mr. King served in the National Guard out of Goodwater during Desert Storm and Desert Shield.

He is survived by his son, Byron (Sherry) King; daughter, Denise (Paul) Thomas; three grandchildren, Nicole (Aaron) Davis, Ashley (Andrew) Bice, Sean Thomas; three great-grandchildren, Brian Barnett, Madelyn Bice, Jackson Bice; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Sean Thomas, Brian Barnett, Aaron Davis, Andrew Bice, Chad Thornton, and Chris Stewart.

Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516.

Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga directed the services.

Leave a Comment