December 31, 1937 ~ July 16, 2021

Born in: Anderson, IN
Resided in: Anderson, In

William Paul Hilligoss (December 31, 1937-July 16, 2021)

 

Bill Hilligoss, went to be with his God on Friday, July 16, 2021 at the age of 83.

 

Mr. Hilligoss was born in Anderson, Indiana in 1937 and raised in the Irondale section of the city. He shared a small, shack of a childhood home with a family which eventually grew to twelve brothers and sisters. His early years were filled with all the challenges of poverty and an alcoholic home but, in his early adolescence, he was invited to Irondale Church of God and met Jesus. A few years later, at Jackson Park Church of God, he met Barbara Chapin. Jesus became his Savior forever and Barbara became his wife for sixty-five years. They raised a family of five children together.

 

Bill Hilligoss began a life-long career as a general contractor when he was a teenager. He was a “concrete man” in the true sense of the word. He loved to work and took pride in what he did.

He used his small business to provide for his family, give work to men who needed it, and develop a work ethic in his two sons by taking them out on the jobs with him as they grew.

 

At the age of 28, Bill responded to a call to ministry. Over the next five decades he pastored several churches in four different states. He would assume the leadership of very small congregations, support his family as a bi-vocational pastor-preaching on Sundays and pouring concrete during the week. He led all those small churches to growth, baptizing and discipling many believers in Christ before moving on to help the next, small, congregation.

 

The most important thing Mr. Hilligoss did was love his family. He was a “Dad”. His kids were front and center in his life. He disciplined, he laughed with, he sang with, he just “lived” with his kids. He was quick to joke with them and to let them know how proud he was. He picked up the phone when they called. He was front and center when they needed a champion. He became the patriarch of a family that includes five children, fourteen grandchildren, and eighteen great-grandchildren. He didn’t love them from a distance, he was right in the middle of all the chaos, loving and influencing each generation personally.

 

Bill Hilligoss went home on July 16, 2021. He was surrounded by his family, listening to them sing hymns and gospel songs he had taught them, reassuring them that “home” was exactly where he was headed. He was ready to go, he was happy to go, and he will be there to meet us when we show up.

 

Bill’s celebration of life service, will be held at Florida Station Church of God, Anderson, IN Saturday, July 31, 2021. The family will be present to receive guests 3:00-4:00. The service will begin at 4:00. In lieu of flowers there will be an opportunity to make monetary gifts to help replace the concrete parking lot at Florida Station Church of God.

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Guestbook

  1. May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will be here to walk beside you in your journey of grief.

    Eddie Beagles and the staff of Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services

  2. I always loved the song he sang “Because He Lives”. One great guy that I thought alot of. Sure will be missed.

  3. Bill and Barb ALWAYS made us feel at home. They loved with their whole hearts. I absolutely LOVED when Bill would shout out during church.

    I am so sorry for your loss but know that he is an AMAZING ANGEL!!!

  4. So sorry for the loss of Uncle Bill but I know we will meet again someday, prayers for his children as they go through this loss🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤

  5. Bill will always have a special place in my heart. I will always cherish the memory of his last visit to my home, I loved him and Barb, I know him and Barb is keeping my Fred company until I get there someday.

  6. A special person on earth and a special angel in heaven. Love my big brother who was my rock. I will miss our talks Bill, but will catch up some day, tell Barb we love her and all who have gone before! I didnt know a heart could hurt so bad and be joyous for you at the same time❤💔

  7. I remember Bill and Jack singing “In the shady green pastures”. It is still my favorite song. What a wonderful example he was to others. i also remember when Bill and Barb were dating. I was much younger than they were and I thought they were the most grown up kids I ever knew!!

  8. My grandpa! The best of the best! I miss him terribly, but I know he is happy to be with his honey!

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