May 5, 88, La Grange
Willis Earl Hilbourn, 88, of La Grange, quietly and peacefully passed away Friday, May 5, 2017 on his 88th birthday. Earl was born May 5, 1929 in Horry County, SC to the late James Walter Hilbourn and Bessie McKenzie Hilbourn. His wife, Addie Owens Hilbourn, preceded him in death. Earl proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He worked many years as a sheet metal fabricator in Virginia. Several years ago, Earl moved to La Grange, NC to be near his brother, Monty Hilbourn. Earl enjoyed woodworking, fishing and piddling around the house.
A service to celebrate Earl’s life will be held Sunday, May 7, 2017 at 3 p.m. from Rouse Funeral Home with Scott Hardy officiating. Burial will be Monday at 1 p.m. from Union Baptist Church Cemetery, York, SC.
Earl is survived by two sisters, Olive Bessant of Sugarland, TX and Elaine Varnadoe of Charleston, SC; his sister-in-law, Belinda Hilbourn and her son, Curtis; along with a special nephew, Ashley Hilbourn. Willis was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters.
Family and friends will be received Sunday following the memorial service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.