Harley "Dean" Hillyard, 81, of Thompsons Station, TN left this life to go to his eternal home in heaven on Tuesday, August 18 due to a massive stroke.

Dean was born in Salina, Kansas, on February 4, 1945, to Dorothy and Harley Hillyard. Just a few months later, his family moved west to Southern California, where they settled in Santa Ana.

In 1962, Dean graduated from Santa Ana High School, where he played varsity football. At the age of 20, he proudly joined the United States Navy and went on to serve two tours in Vietnam. Following his military service, Dean returned home and earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Cal State University, Fullerton.

In 1973, Dean married the love of his life, Kathy Ryan. Together, they built a beautiful family and were blessed with two daughters, Sara and Jennifer, who brought him great joy and pride.

Dean later started his own photocopy business before eventually making his way back east to Nashville, Tennessee. There, he began a career with Costco, where he worked as a pharmacy technician for more than twenty years where he was able to shine the love of Jesus to others.

Throughout his life, Dean was not only a devoted husband, loving father and proud veteran, he also loved the Lord Jesus Christ, and used his time to love and pray for those around him in countless ways. He was dedicated to living a life that served the Lord, and shared the love of Jesus with those that he came into contact with.

Dean is survived by his beloved wife of almost 53 years, Kathy Hillyard; his two daughters and sons-in-law, Sara and Mark Law and Jennifer and Jeff Faison; his three cherished granddaughters, Hannah, Emily, and Bella; and his brother, Steve Hillyard, along with his family, Kathy, Brett, and Signe, and numerous other beloved family members.

He will be remembered by so many for his natural ability to make others laugh in any situation, the prayers he prayed, the life he built, the people he loved, and the lasting impact he made on his family and those who knew him.

A celebration of life service will be held Friday, October 16th at 2pm at One Church Home (1091 Hwy 96 N, Fairview, TN). Visitation will be from 1pm-2pm.

Attire is casual and cheerful colors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dean’s memory to: His Heart for Africa (https://www.hisheartforafrica.org), Ambassador Services International (https://steveberger.org) Or your favorite ministry.