James Leon “Jimmie” Hillyer, Jr., 77, of Beaumont, died Monday, July 27, 2009. He was born September 17, 1931, to James Leon Hillyer, Sr. and Gemila Lillian Anderson Hillyer, in Kilgore. Jimmie has been a resident of the area most of his life. He was a painter, carpenter, preacher, and a pastor.

He is survived by his daughters, Gail Askew of Beaumont, Tammie Isbell of Nederland, Sheila Loftin of Port Acres; sons, Gary Leon Hillyer of Center, and Garland Gene Hillyer of Port Arthur; sisters, Mary Kibodeaux of China, Diana Touchet of Lake Charles, Louisiana; brother, Jack Hillyer of Fannett; thirteen grandchildren; and fourteen great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Billy Joe Hillyer.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 30, 2009, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont, with burial to follow at China Cemetery. A gathering of his family and friends will be Wednesday, July 29, 2009, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the mortuary.