Samuel Edward Hillberry, 72 of Rachel, WV, died Wednesday, March 18, 2015 due to long battle with cancer. He leaves behind his loving wife of 43 years Robbin Ann (Starkey) Hillberry and two sons, Sam and Vicky Hillberry of Rachel and Bill and Toneya Hillberry of Mannington.
Sam was the son of Wesley and Louise Hillberry, born in Homewood Addition, Mannington on November 12, 1942. He was raised in Rachel by his mother and step-father Sam French.
Sam went to Farmington High School and joined the Navy at an early age. After discharged, he worked in Rhode Island for 10 years as a truck driver, lumber salesman and shipping clerk. In 1971 he returned to West Virginia and worked as a truck driver, coal miner at Eastern Assoc. Coal Corp., Joanne Mine at Rachel. He also worked as a machine operator and welder for Wahlco Power Products in Fairmont. For 6 years, he operated Hillberry’s Recycling in Rachel. Sam retired in 2006 from Eastern Coal Corp. Federal #2 Mine.
Sam is survived by 7 grandchildren, Dalton Shoulders of Fairmont, Alexis Hillberry at Wesleyan College at Buckhannon, Whitney Hope and Shelbie Lynn Hillberry of Rachel, Preston Joseph, Andrew Paxton and Brooklyn Dez Hillberry of Mannington.
Sam is also survived by one sister, Jessie and Donald Pickerill of Louisville, KY and nine brothers, Bill and Carol Hillberry of Taylorsville, KY, Robert and Marcia, Donnie and Mary, Ronnie and Ted Hillberry of Rachel, Roy and Etta Hillberry of Bedford, KY, Albert and Carolyn Hillberry of Idamay and Mike and Vicky Hillberry of Shinnston.
Sam is preceded in death by three sisters, Joanne Zorko and Kathy Hillberry of Rachel and Ethel Vogelsburg of Georgia and three brothers, Charles, Jim and Paul Hillberry of Louisville, KY.
In keeping with Sam’s wishes, there will be no funeral home viewing. His body will be cremated gravesides services will be at Viewpoint Cemetery at Rachel at a later date. Masters Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. On-line condolences may be left for the family at www.mastersfuneralhomewv.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Condolences
So sorry for your loss. Sam was a wonderful man who never once acted like he didn't know us from the moment we met him. He sure loved the babies too. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. I love you all and know we are here for you.
Sam was a great man. He was my father in law on paper but was truly my dad. Sam was the best papwa ever. Shelbie and Whitney is going to be lost without you.We will miss you every day. Sam it was a blessing to have you in our lives. We will treasure you always. Rip Pap until we see you again.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Marion County Senior Citizens.
To robin and family. My heart was sadden to learn of SAMs. Death. He was a good man. Many times helping my dad. Working along side him. May God bless you with comfort for the bad days and hugs of joy for all the great memories. Marilyn jones
To robin and family. My heart was sadden to learn of SAMs. Death. He was a good man. Many times helping my dad. Working along side him. May God bless you with comfort for the bad days and hugs of joy for all the great memories. Marilyn jones
So sorry for your families loss. Thoughts and Prayers.
I miss you Pap. We will all see you sooner or later. Love you.
My heart is heavy with sadness , yet I feel you have left a legacy behind that will carry on through your children. You were an exceptional person who not only loved family and children but life as well. You had the amazing ability to make everyone your friend and would give the shirt off your back for most. You have an amazing wife in Robbin , whom I am sure will grieve for a long time knowing her best friend is no longer there. So many have looked up to you , respected you and tried to immolate the man that you are, but no one can come close to being the loving parent , friend , husband that you are too many. This world has lost not only a man to look up to , but a man who made this world a better place. There should be more like you , but I think the mold was broken. I will miss you Sam . May the silent whisper of death . ease all your pain .