Obituary –William Thomas "Billy" Hiles Jr
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Mr. William Thomas Hiles Jr., better known by his family and friends as “Billy,” passed away Wednesday, April 23, 2025, following several months of Declining health.
Billy was born on April 19, 1948, the son of the late William Thomas Hills Sr. and Dorothy Newell Hiles. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Louise Hiles and Ethel Hiles Harris.
He had lived most of his life in Gordon County and was retired from Southeastern Freight Lines as a professional truck driver. In his earlier years, he was renowned in the Walking Horse World as an exceptional trainer and showman, where many sought his advice. He also enjoyed working with and riding Quarter Horses. He was a man with many talents. He always prided himself on having the most well-kept lawn in the neighborhood. He was always trying to do something for others and was a man of his word. He loved his wife BJ, cherished his children, and adored his grandchildren. He was always involved in their endeavors. He was a spiritual man with so many close friends, too numerous to mention, and considered them part of his family. You could see him almost every day at his favorite diner, the Yellow Jacket, and he enjoyed country music and the old-style Blues.
Survivors include those who knew him the best and loved him the most; his loving wife of 20 years, BJ Hiles; his children who he loved dearly, daughters, Nikki (Trice) Barton, Brittany Cook, and Samantha Sisk; sons, Billy Hiles Jr., (Tongila) Kendrick Hiles, and Anthony Hiles and his fiancée Alissa; grandchildren, Shavanti, Aubrey, Candice, and Amber Hiles, Ty Hiles, Lance, Loren, Pressley, and Penelope Hiles, Antaveus, and Ayla Hiles; brothers, Carl (Shirley) Hiles, and Howard (Susan) Hiles; his dog Patch: uncle, Thomas (Judy) Newell, along with several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
A service to reflect upon and remember Billy’s life will be held Saturday, April 26th at 11:00 AM from the Max Brannon & Sons Funeral Home chapel. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, April 25th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on Saturday, from 10:00 AM until the funeral hour. Following the service, his request was to be cremated. The family asks that flowers be omitted. Please consider donating to one of the charities listed below in Memory of William Thomas "Billy" Hiles Jr. For convenience, you can contribute directly from this page below the obituary.
The family would like to thank AdventHealth Gordon Ambulance Service and the hospital for their care and professionalism during such a difficult time.
The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of William Thomas “Billy” Hiles Jr.
More Stories |
-
Burl Wayne Kail, age 82, of Alamo, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025. He was born on November 21, 1942 in the Badgett–Maury City Junction Community.
Read More
-
Read More
-
Andy Holt was sworn in by Governor Bill Lee as the state's 39th Commissioner of Agriculture in October 2025. Before that, he served as Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner for the Business Development Division.
Read More
-
We announce the passing of Major’s Magic Horizon on October 1st, 2025 after a short illness. Sired by Gen’s Major General and out of an Impressive Sun Rise mare, he was born on April 11th, 1998 and affectionately known as Roger.
Read More
-
Click here to view the 2025 rules and regulations for the WHOA Fall Fest held in Oak Grove, Kentucky.
Read More
-
Schedule Update for the ETWHA Fall Classic in White Pine, Tennessee. The Amateur Mares & Geldings class originally scheduled for Thursday has been moved to Friday.The Walking Yearlings class originally scheduled for Friday has been moved to Thursday.
Read More
-
George Wayne Schumann, 84, of Tuscumbia, Alabama, passed away Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at North Alabama Medical Center. Mr. Schumann was an elder at First Christian Church, a member of the Rotary Club, a member of the Walking Horse Breeders Assoc. and Bedford County Cancer Board of Directors.
Read More
-
Read More
-
The Livestream for The North Carolina Championships will be provided by Dean Johnson Video.
Read More
-
Last year, the “Pick Your Partner” classes proved to be one of the most fun and popular ways to raise money for the industry’s legal fund. Riders, trainers, and fans alike rallied together, bringing energy, laughter, and strong financial support to the cause.
Read More
|