July 25, 1945 ~ September 26, 2026 (age 81)
Hartwell Cary Hillyer, 81, of Opelika, Alabama, went to be with Jesus on September 26, 2026. A lifelong resident of Opelika, Cary built a beautiful life centered around faith, family, and loving others well.
Cary was married to the love of his life, Martha Jolly Hillyer. This October, Cary and Martha would have celebrated an incredible 60 years of marriage—a testament to a lifetime of love, devotion, and commitment to one another.
Cary was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was known as Bobo, a name that represented so much more than simply being their grandfather. Bobo was a steady presence, a source of love and encouragement, and someone his family could always count on.
Cary and Martha were blessed with two children, Jody Hillyer (Kelly) and Julie Hillyer Tudhope (Kevin)
His grandchildren include Hayden Hillyer (Chloe), Hunter Hillyer (Caris), Kyle Bugg (Sidney), Kalee Bugg Hodge(Chandler) Kent Bugg, and Ty Tudhope (Abby)
One of Bobo’s greatest blessings was watching his family continue to grow. He was blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Mary Alton, daughter of Hayden and Chloe; Holden and Emerson, children of Hunter and Caris; Hadley and Brooks, children of Kyle and Sidney; and Anna Kate and Bo, children of Kalee and Chandler. His great-grandchildren brought tremendous joy to his life, and being their Bobo was a role he treasured deeply.
Cary was preceded in death by his parents, Perry Hillyer and Katherine Hillyer; his brother, Larry Hillyer; and his sisters, Gloria Hillyer Sharp and Judy Hillyer Adams.
Those who knew Cary knew what a special person he was. He was loved by so many and had a way of leaving a positive impact on everyone he met. His kindness was genuine, his love was steadfast, and his faith was evident in the way he lived his life.
Cary truly embodied the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He didn’t simply speak about his faith; he lived it. He loved Jesus deeply, and he loved his family with his whole heart. His life was an example of what it means to serve others, love without condition, and walk faithfully with the Lord.
Although his family will miss him more than words can express, they find comfort in knowing that Bobo is now at home with our Savior. The love he gave, the example he set, and the faith he lived out will continue through the generations of the family he treasured.
Visitation will be held Friday at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who feel led consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of Cary’s son, Jody.
Cary’s life was a life well lived, a family well loved, and a faith well demonstrated. His family will forever be grateful for the years they were blessed to call him their husband, Daddy, Bobo, and friend.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Mathew 25:23
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