Individual Details

Cecil James Hiland

(8 Feb 1920 - 28 Feb 2010)

Marietta Daily Journal, Marietta, Georgia, Tuesday, March 2, 2010: Cecil James Hiland, age 90, of Woodstock passed away Sunday, Feb., 28, after a courageous battle with extended illnesses. He was born Feb. 8, 1920, in Augusta, IL, Hancock County, Illinois, to the late Grace "Gracie" Belle Hiland. He was awarded an academic scholarship to Carthage College, now located in Kenosha, WI, where he lettered in track and graduated in 1942 with a degree in mathematics. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Dorothy Jane nee Kirkpatrick Hiland, whom he met at Carthage College. After just a few weeks of marriage, he was drafted into the Army like many men of that era and quickly dispatched to the war effort. He served his country for more than three years including almost a year in Europe as a demolition engineer under the command of George Patton. His military duty took him across Belgium, France and into Germany, where he was wounded and for which he was awarded a Purple Heart. Other military honors include 2 Bronze Stars. Never one to glorify his efforts, he only remarked that the real heroes were the American soldiers that are buried in Europe. After the war, he used the G.I. bill to obtain a Master's Degree in Education from Greeley College in Greeley, CO, after which he dedicated his life to education of young people for more than 30 years, including 27 as an elementary principal in Mascoutah, IL. "Mr. Hiland" was revered by teachers and is highly respected by all who were guided by his exemplary intellect and unfailing and consistent dedication to the profession of education. A lifelong reader of newspapers and literature, his wisdom was expansive. Following his retirement from the education profession in 1979, he and his wife moved to Georgia to offer invaluable assistance to his third son, Dr. Charles HiIand, who was opening a veterinary practice in Marietta. Mrs. Hiland remarked that none of his children made a move without consulting their father. A lifelong Methodist and a devoted family man, he enjoyed wildlife and woodworking and has made beautiful furniture from special hardwoods. He also has handmade dozens of bluebird houses that have been placed throughout Georgia and Illinois. A generous contributor to many Veterans and nature organizations, he is a testimony to one man making a huge difference in the lives of many people. The funeral is Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at 2 p.m. at Little River Methodist Church, with interment to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening at Woodstock Funeral Home, 8855 Main Street, Woodstock. Condolences may be sent to www.woodstockfuneralhome.com. Contributions may be made to a Veteran Charity of your choice. Survivors include his six children, John Patrick, Thomas William, Charles Edward, Harriett Ann, Warren Fletcher and Phoebe Lea, nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Events

Birth8 Feb 1920Augusta, Hancock Co., Illinois
MarriageAbt 1945Dorothy Jane Kirkpatrick
Death28 Feb 2010Woodstock, Cherokee Co., Georgia
Alt nameCecil James Hiland
BurialLittle River Methodist Church Cemetery, Woodstock, Cherokee Co., Georgia

Families

SpouseDorothy Jane Kirkpatrick (1922 - 2002)
ChildJohn Patrick Hiland (1946 - )
ChildThomas William Hiland (1949 - )
ChildCharles Edward Hiland (1951 - )
ChildHarriet Ann Hiland (1952 - )
ChildWarren Fletcher Hiland (1955 - )
ChildPhoebe Lea Hiland (1960 - )

Endnotes