John Elmer Hillhouse, Sr.

John Elmer Hillhouse, Sr. was born September 11, 1930, and went Home to his heavenly reward on June 21, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born in Houston, MS, and raised in Webster County. He attended school at Cumberland. After high school he had various jobs before being drafted into the Army and sent to the Korean War. After returning home he went to work for Continental Trailways, first driving a truck then a bus for over 30 years. He continued to drive for Greyhound when they took over Trailways, then retired and began driving a truck again for CFC Transportation in Columbus. He was affectionately known as the fastest old man. He married the one and only love of his life, Joy Kay Butts, in 1959. They began life together in the Delta, soon moved to Mathiston, MS and then to Columbus, MS in 1970, where he lived and raised his family until he moved to Fulton, MS in 2017. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age and served him all of his life. After moving to Columbus, MS they joined East End Baptist Church where he was a faithful member for the rest of his life and served as a deacon until he moved. Known to most as John, he was called “Red” by Joy Kay and most of his family and close friends. Practically everyone would describe him as the happiest and sweetest man they’d ever met. He never met a stranger and would always help anyone in need. Everyone who ever went on bus trips with him loved him and would always request him again for their next trip. John is survived by his daughter; Merrill (Charlie) Hudnall, Huntsville, AL, son; John E. (Barbie) Hillhouse, Jr., Fulton, MS, six grandchildren; Erin (Jordan) Baldwin, Madison (Joey) Hanson, Kendall Hudnall, J.T. Hillhouse, Hays Hillhouse and Avery Hillhouse and three great grandchildren; McKay Hanson, Rory Hanson and Collins Baldwin. He is preceded in death by his wife; Joy Kay Butts Hillhouse, parents; Vollie Clifford Hillhouse and Ella Labon Dorroh Hillhouse, two sisters; Mavis Guest and Sallie Lou Hillhouse and two brothers; T.C. Hillhouse and Knowfel Hillhouse. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00PM Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel in Eupora, MS. Visitation will be from 1:00PM until service time at 2:00PM on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at Oliver Funeral Home in Eupora. Interment will be at Eupora City Cemetery in Eupora. The Graveside/Committal Services will be held with military honors at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel instead of Eupora City Cemetery. Rev. Byron Benson will officiate. Pallbearers and Honorary Pallbearers will be John Hillhouse, Jr., Charlie Hudnall, J.T. Hillhouse, Hays Hillhouse, Jordan Baldwin, Joey Hanson, Charlie Shaw, Jay Curry, Scott Curry, Patrick Curry, Blain Curry, Mike Brannon, Jr., Bryan Hayes, Bobby Lee Guest, David Willson, Ernie Smith, John Poss, Johnny Eidson and Andy Hubbard. He will be missed by all who knew him, especially his children and grandchildren, but we are thankful that he is in his Heavenly home. Oliver Funeral Home of Eupora is honored to be entrusted with all arrangements for the Hillhouse family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gideons or East End Baptist Church, Columbus, MS.