William Bryson Hills

William Bryson Hillis, age 80, passed away on December 28, 2016 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease.  He is survived by his wife, Yvonne M. Hillis (nee Treadway), his son William T. Hillis, his daughter Suzanne M. York (nee Hillis), his grandson, Ssgt. John Bryson York, USMC and his wife Priscilla York, his great grandson Bryson D. York, and numerous friends and associates.  He was preceded in death by his parents, William L. Hillis and Mary K. Hillis (nee Whitley).  Bill was born in Cincinnati on August 10, 1936.  He attended the Ohio State University and owned his own business, a manufacturer’s representative agency in Cincinnati. He was a member of many fraternal and philanthropic organizations including the Scottish Rite of Cincinnati, where he was a 33° Degree Mason, the Western Hillis/Cheviot Masonic Lodge #140, the Cincinnati Syrian Shrine, the Royal Order of Jesters, where he was a past director, and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Bill was also a past chairman of the board of the Children’s  Dyslexia Center. He took particular joy from performing with the Shrine Clown Unit, where he was a past director, to entertain the children who were patients at the Shriner’s Burns Hospital.  A memorial visitation and service to celebrate his spirit, joy, and well lived life will be held on Monday, February 13, 2017 at Hodapp Funeral Home, 6041 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45224 from 5 until memorial service at 7 with a Masonic service at 6:45. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Children’s Dyslexia Center, 317 E 5^th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, Shrine Burns Hospital, 3229 Burnet Ave.,45229, or charity of one’s choice.