January 3, 1967 – April 30, 2019
Christopher “Chris” Michael Hilley, age 52, passed away on April 30, 2019 at Baptist South Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. He was the husband of Heather L (Daley) Hilley, married 8 years.
Born in Dallas, Texas and raised in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, he was the son of Janice Ann (Griffin) Hilley and Jack “Mike” Hilley. He attended Old Rochester Regional High School where he was liked by all and excelled in sports, particularly hockey. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly sailed as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate on the CVN-65 Enterprise in the Catapult, Arresting Gear and Maintenance crew during the Persian Gulf War. He was issued a citation for Joint Meritorious Unit Award during this time. He was Honorably Discharged from service as an E-5 following another four years of Reserve duty.
Following his military service, he began his 20 year sailing career as a merchant mariner providing oil/petroleum products around the world. He began as an unlicensed member of the engine department and worked his way up until he carried the highest engineer’s license; Chief Engineer of Steam/Motor Vessels of Any Horsepower Unlimited Oceans. He also worked for the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration as a Marine Surveyor for the country’s Ready Reserve Fleet. His most recent employment was with Crowley Maritime as Port Engineer.
Chris enjoyed watching (passionately) the New England Patriots, the Boston Bruins and the Boston Red Sox on television. He enjoyed working on his cars and listening to loud rock music. Mostly, he just loved hanging out with his kids and being their daddy.
He is survived by his spouse, his two children (Erin Hilley, 7 and Jack Hilley, 5), his sister Kim Hilley (Telluride, CO), his nephew Taylor Holmes (Telluride, CO) and his parents Jan and Mike Hilley (Vero Beach, FL).
In lieu of flowers, since Chris wasn’t a flower kind of guy, please consider making a donation to The Jimmy Fund in his name. The funeral service and celebration of Chris’s life will be held Thursday May 9th, 2019 at 5:00pm at Hardage Giddens Mandarin (11801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32223) with the interment at the Jacksonville National Cemetery (4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218) promptly at 1pm Friday May 10th, 2019.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME OF MANDARIN, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025
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