Mr. Joe "Papa" Hillman, Jr., age 79, of Hiram, died Sunday morning, September 20, 2020, at his residence surrounded by his family.

A native of Dade City, Florida, Mr. Hillman was born on January 27, 1941 the son of the late Joseph Lawrence Hillman, Sr. and the late Lois Veal Inghram. Mr. Hillman was an accomplished and avid boat mechanic and proudly served in the United States Airforce. He was known as a simple and friendly man who loved NASCAR and Dale Sr. would always be his favorite driver.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Lynda Hillman. His children; Mike Hillman, Michele Hillman and her husband, Thomas, Joe Hillman III and his wife, Chanda, Jennifer Brownlow and her husband Darrin, Jelena McMichael and her husband Jerry Lee McMichael, and son Cale Hillman. Two brothers; Walter Hillman and David Inghram. One sister; Lois Mooney. Fifteen grandchildren; Cory Hillman, Angela Ledford, Mason Hillman, T.C. Kelly, Brandon Kelly, Mathew Kelly, Breanna Tidwell, Lawren Hillman, Kimberley Hillman, Darrin Brownlow, Jr., Erin Godwin, Shelby Montrose, Colton McMichael, Austin McMichael, and Tyler Hicks. Twenty-six great grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services for Mr. Hillman will be conducted on Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Bellamy Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Pruitt officiating. Burial will follow in the Sweetwater Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 12 noon until the funeral hour at the funeral home.

Grandsons will serve as active pallbearers.

Bellamy Funeral Home of Hiram is honored to serve the family of Mr. Joe "Papa" Hillman, Jr.