BIG STONE GAP, VA.                          MARCH 20, 2024

Thomas Jefferson Hillman Sr. (TJ), 78, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, after an extended illness.

TJ was born to Minnie Lovell Hillman and John Paul Hillman of Wise, Va.

He was of Christian faith and a Master Mason and a member of the Sutter Lodge 259, past president of the Wise County Shrine Club, member of Jericho Shrine Temple, and member of the Kazim Temple. He was an employee of Paramont Coal Company for over 35 years. He was an avid Dale Earnhardt and Nascar fan and loved spending time in his garage with his own cars and motorcycle.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Minnie and father, John Paul, his sister, Bridgett Bellamy, and brother, Charles Hillman. He is survived by his wife, Eva Mae Hillman and his children Shelia Hillman Short (John), TJ Hillman Jr (Millie), and Clarence Hillman, his grandchildren Anu Kotay, Manisha Kotay (Joel), Paishia Meador (Timmy), Kathen Kotay (Elizabeth), Skylar Hillman, Karissa Hillman, and Jacob Cantrell and great grandson Tatum Meador, along with sisters, Britta Kilgore, and Anna Fay Massey, as well as many nieces, nephews and great friends.

TJ was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. There was so much more to him than dad, though to us that was his greatest roll - he was also a friend, a coworker, a cousin, brother, and the list goes on and on.

The family would like to send special thanks to The Lonesome Pine Hospital staff (Eva Hunsucker, Angie Cooke, and Bree Kelly Caudill), friend Robbie Boggs and all other friends and family who supported him so greatly during this time.

Masonic Services for Thomas "TJ" Hillman will be conducted at 7:00 P.M. Thursday, March 21, 2024 at the Sturgill Funeral Home in Wise, VA. Funeral services will follow with Pastor Harmon Kilgore officiating. Family will receive friends from 5:30 P.M. till time of services at 7:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home. Graveside committal services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, March 22, 2024 in the Powell Valley Memorial Gardens in Big Stone Gap, VA. Family and friends will meet at 1:10 P.M. Friday at the funeral home to go to the cemetery in procession. In lieu of flowers, family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital - 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.
Sturgill Funeral Home 1621 Norton Road SW Wise, VA is in charge of arrangements.