Joseph Nathan Hillery

Mr.Joseph Nathan Hillery, 85, of Denver, NC. passed away Saturday, April 13,2019 at Novant Health – Huntersville, Huntersville, NC. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 17,2019 at Long & Son Mortuary Chapel. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and the service will follow at 11:00 am. Interment will be in York Memorial Park Cemetery 5150 S.Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28217.

Joseph Nathan Hillery, the son of the late Albert Hillery and Sally Henley Hillery, was born March 1, 1934, in Florida. He went to the Lord on April 13, 2019. Joseph is preceded in death by his beloved spouse of 53 years, Mary Louise Hillery.

Joseph grew up in Brooklyn, New York. After graduating High School, he enlisted in the Army’s boxing program during the Korean War Era. He completed basic training at Fort Dix in New Jersey, Company B 18-4 in June 1954. Joseph was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. After an Honorable Discharge from the Army in 1956, he became a dedicated employee with the United States Government Printing Office in New York for over 30 years. He also held a leadership role in the local Union. When Joseph retired, he moved to Charlotte, NC in 1998.

During his spare time, Joseph wrote poetry and was a Distinguished Member of the International Society of Poets. His poem, “How Long,” was published in the National Library of Poetry in 1997. Joseph’s other poems were “The Sun,” “Free Will,” “The Mighty Wind,” “Mother Earth,” and “Louise My Love.”

There are a number of people who will cherish Joseph in their memories: two daughters: Donna Louise Hillery and Dena Melissa Ross; one son: Duane Jamal Hillery; son-in-law: Todd Olander Ross; five grandchildren: Latisha Melissa Ross, Topaz Eliis Ross, Todd Xavier Ross, Donovan Jamal Hillery, and Denicia Janice Hillery. (Gwendolyn Vasquez, the mother of Donovan and Denicia); one sister-in-law: Deloris Outing; two brothers-in-law: Isaiah Outing (Gladys) and Don P. Outing (Mary); eleven nieces and nephews: Deborah Evans, Cynthia Reed, Darryl Hillery, Don Curtis Outing, Anita Walker, Shirley Outing, Reginald Outing, Emily Outing, Patrice Sims, Margarette Burette, and Michael Jennings.

Joseph is survived by a host of cousins, great great nieces, nephews and many close friends.

His legacy was his love of family, his ability to be a great provider, and his laid-back personality.   Joseph will truly be missed by all.