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David Hillman Obituary

David Hillman

May 5, 2025

David Michael Hillman, of Johnson City, Tennessee (formerly of Dungannon, Virginia), passed away peacefully in the early hours of May 5, 2025, at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville. He was reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife, Leslie.

David was born on May 22, 1956, to Sid and Mildred Hillman. A few years later, his sister Angie joined the family, completing their loving home in Dungannon.

He graduated from Twin Springs High School, where he stood out as a "triple threat"-athletic, intelligent, and charismatic. As a starting quarterback, baseball pitcher, and honor student, David was a standout both on and off the field, yet always remained humble and kind.

David earned his bachelor's degree from East Tennessee State University and his master's degree in psychology from Radford University. Though he trained in psychological testing, he couldn't resist the call of the railroad whistle, a family tradition he shared with his father and grandfather. David proudly worked as a locomotive engineer until his retirement in 2016.

In 1989, he married the love of his life, Leslie Kersey of Roanoke, Virginia. Together they built a beautiful life and were overjoyed to welcome their daughter, Kerstie, in 1995. David's love for his family was unwavering-nothing brought him more pride or happiness than being a husband and father.

David's favorite pastimes included: Walks around the Dunkin loop with Leslie, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy as a family, binging Star Trek, playing Scrabble, eating fudge, buying scratch-off tickets, making his legendary piña coladas for the Kersey family, taking the kids to water slides and mini golf at Ocean Isle Beach, tending to his yard and pool with pride, traveling to Key West with Leslie, and cooking his famous Mexican cornbread - consider yourself lucky to try some!

A lifelong fan of sports and music, David built his fall weekends around college football, especially cheering on the Virginia Tech Hokies and Tennessee Volunteers. He even had a special Christmas tree dedicated to them. David and Leslie shared a love for music, attending concerts by legendary performers such as Jackson Browne, James Taylor, and Fleetwood Mac.

Though naturally introverted, David's warmth shone through in the company of those closest to him. Thanks to Leslie and Kerstie, he was drawn into the heart of family celebrations-from Christmas parties to slumber parties-always quietly present, always loving.

David was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Beneath his quiet strength was a gentle heart, and his passing has left a space that can never be filled.

Until we meet again...you are forever missed and remembered. You left a David-sized hole in our hearts.

David is survived by his daughter, Kerstie Hillman (boyfriend John); sister, Angie Brickey (Sammy); sister-in-laws, Michelle Naff, Piper (Lucky) Ellis, and Candice (Jimmy) Carter. He had many nieces and nephews: Candace Brickey, Samantha (James) Jones, Laurie (Rob) Naff-Catapano, Lacey (Alex) Stover, Darby Dillard, Austin (Stacy) Dillard, Jake (Amber) Naff, Hunter (Jules) Naff, Kyle (Kelle) Hagemes. Also the beloved little ones: Aleara, Keegan, Gigi, Chipper, Ty, Kersey, James, Landon, and Blake.

An online guestbook is available at AustinFuneralService.com 615-377-0775.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Johnson City Press from May 12 to May 13, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for David Hillman

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Not sure what to say?





Dennis

May 17, 2025

Such a gentleman to be around always upbeat even in the middle of the night miss you and Sid great times at work

Melissa Noble

May 14, 2025

Family, we've never met but I feel a connection. David n I were the same age. I am also from a railroad family. Obviously, David was a good man.
May you find the Peace of Christ during this difficult time

Charlie Byrd

May 13, 2025

Glad I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to meet and work with Dave. It was always a trip I looked forward to when I´d catch a ride with him. Intelligent, laid back and was always really good to me. I still see him sitting over there working that crossword and just chatting about sports, family or whatever. You´ll be missed my friend. Condolences to the Hillman family.

Shirley Banks

May 13, 2025

David was always such a gentle person he was loved by all who knew him. His life was a testament of an honorable kind person. He will be missed. I loved him.

Joyce Hillman McConnell

May 13, 2025

To all the family, I am so saddened to hear this. David was the quite one of us kids growing up. He put us all to shame in typing class and was an exceptional student otherwise. I missed the train whistle after your mother passed. He would always blow the whistle as he went through the cut below her house when he was on board. After she passed he stopped. I´m sure he thought of her every time though.
Now, they are together for eternity. Prayers through it all!

Lynn Bryant

May 13, 2025

David taught me a lot when I was an engineer trainee,he was one of the best. A super nice guy. Lynn Bryant

Stacey Davis

May 13, 2025

I miss ya ole buddy. You were a helluva Engineer and an even better friend. Now it's time to take the engines to the barn.

Michael Harris

May 12, 2025

One of my favorite engineers to get that late night call to work with always good conversation about our kids and family and UT football even got to watch or listen to some games back in the day before cameras on engines lol.but one of my favorites was we had looked at a catalog that had Adirondack chairs in it and we talked about how we would like to have a nice set of them he had mentioned earlier that Leslie was up to something for their anniversary but didn´t know what it was we got into Erwin around midnight Dave called me around 0130 and said just had to tell you found out what Leslie was up to she had put together a set of Adirondack chairs for their anniversary just 1 of many good memories so sorry for the loss of a good soul.

Jill Brock

May 12, 2025

David was such a great friend and fabulous cook! The Christmas party food he would cook for us was a yearly favorite. He will be very missed .

Brian poole

May 12, 2025

He was considered one of the best engineers if not the best...Dave always took care of myself n many others at work...I consider him my friend and 1 of the best people I have ever been around!I will miss u Dave

Margaret Osborne

May 12, 2025

Angie I was totally shocked when I heard this. Guess I think you all are not suppose to age. Many great memories of you all in Dungannon. Many blessings for comfort and peace for all. I've been truly blessed to blessed to have known David and your family. Prayers for all the family.
Love you all !!
Margaret

Karin Keith

May 12, 2025

Prayers for the whole family and especially Kerstie! David was a quiet soul but had so much to say when he did open. I´ll forever cherish the card games Greg and I would share with David and Leslie on New Year´s Eve. He was so good to Chan too! He and Leslie will be deeply missed!

Patrick Moore

May 12, 2025

Angie- I´m so very sorry to hear of David´s passing. He was such a great and I have many fond memories of him. Praying for God´s tender mercies of peace and comfort for you and your family.

Elaine Scott

May 12, 2025

Prayers for David´s family and friends. David was special.

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