Individual Details
(Abt, 1916 - August, 1948)
"VETERAN TAKES OWN LIFE WITH RIFLE BLAST --- Self-inflicted rifle wounds proved fatal to Thurman Hillis, 32, World War II veteran, last Thursday evening when, according to Coroner Elvin Spangler, he took his life at the home of his brother, on Rebel Hill. An employee of a local cabinet shop, Hillis was reported as going to the home of a brother, Harmon Hills on Rebel Hill, late Thursday evening. He was quoted a saying that he was going to the home of his mother on Rocky River and took a rifle to hunt squirrels. He left the house and walked to his car where it is believed that he fired two .22 cal. Bullets through his forehead. He was rushed to a local hospital where he passed away shortly after one o'clock. Investigating officers were Sheriff Eldridge Youngblood and Crononer Spangler. The corner's verdict was suicide. Funeral services for the deceased man were conducted Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock at the White Hall Church of Christ in Van Buren County with John W. High officiating. Burial was in the White Hall cemetery. William Thurman Hillis was born in Van Buren county, the son of Garmon Hillis and Laura Roberts Hillis. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Sylvia Hillis; one son, Ewell Dwain Hillis; two brothers, Harmon Hillis and Melvin Hillis, both of McMinnvillle; two sisters Mrs. Rube Yates and Miss Ivy Lee Hillis of Rocky River, Van Buren county. High Funeral Home was in charge of funeral arrangements." (Obituary, August 6, 1948.)
Events
| Birth | Abt, 1916 | Van Buren County, Tennessee | | | |
| Death | August, 1948 | McMinnville, Warren County, Tennessee | | | |
| Marriage | | Sylvia | | | |
| Burial | | White Hall Cemetery, Van Buren County, Tennessee | | | |
Families