Russell F. Hillberry Jr.
Russell F. “Dube” Hillberry Jr. of Orange Park, Fla., passed away in his home Monday, October 1, 2018, with his loving family at his bedside. He had bravely battled a serious illness for nearly two years.
Mr. Hillberry was born August 17, 1942, in Scenery Hill, a son of the late Russell F. Hillberry Sr. and Mabel Johnson Hillberry Engle. He was raised by his maternal grandparents, Lina P. and Byron Johnson.
He attended Scenery Hill Elementary School and Ellsworth High School. Growing up, he attended Scenery Hill United Methodist Church.
Mr. Hillberry was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1965.
On October 1, 1966, in Sheffield Lake, Ohio, he married his loving wife of 52 years, Judith K. Miller, who survives.
He lived several years in Las Vegas, Nev., where he worked security for Marina Hotel and Casino. He was proud of his 11 years at the Nevada Nuclear Test Site serving as security and three years for EG&G, U.S. National Defense Contractors, in the same capacity.
He lived for some time in Myrtle Beach, S.C., before moving to Orange Park to be close to his son and family.
Mr. Hillberry had a great sense of humor, was an avid Steelers fan and was proficient in firearms.
In addition to his wife, he is also survived and sadly missed by his son, Scott D. Hillberry (Jennifer) of Orange Park and grandson Christopher Hillberry of Tallahassee, Fla.; two sisters, Myrlene Provins of Fairmont, W.Va., and Lina M. Rager of Scenery Hill; and several nieces and nephews.
Those who have passed on are a son, Russell A. “Rusty” Hillberry; sister Evea D. Straight; brother Alden D. Hillberry; half-brother, Al A. Engle; two nephews, George Rager Jr. and Spencer Hillberry; and his stepfather, Albert Engle.
His two furry companions, Cody and Oreo, will miss him.
Private services for Mr. Hillberry are incomplete and will be held at the family’s discretion.