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The Memorial Candle Program has been designed to help offset the costs associated with the hosting this Tribute Website in perpetuity. Through the lighting of a memorial candle, your thoughtful gesture will be recorded in the Book of Memories and the proceeds will go directly towards helping ensure that the family and friends of William (Bill) Hillis can continue to memorialize, re-visit, interact with each other and enhance this tribute for future generations.

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William (Bill) Hillis
In Memory of
William (Bill) Daniel
Hillis
1933 - 2018
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The lighting of a Memorial Candle not only provides a gesture of sympathy and support to the immediate family during their time of need but also provides the gift of extending the Book of Memories for future generations.

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Condolences

Condolence From: Matthew A Brown
Condolence: What do I remember most about Dr. Hillis? (I know he frequently wanted to be called "Bill," but the respect I hold for him means he'll always be "Dr. Hillis")

There are a lot of things that still make me smile (you've got a bad case of whomp disease! Oh my, that's a hashish shop! The kidneys are more important than the brain, that's why God gave you two of them!) But most of all, it was The Medusa and the Snail.

Over fifteen years ago, I had the privilege of being a student in several of his courses, ranging from freshman pathology and immunology lectures, to studying abroad with him in Maastricht (where I also got to know his graceful and brilliant-in-her-own-right wife, Argye).

At the end of one of the courses, he hosted the students for dinner, and read us a passage from Lewis Thomas' book The Medusa and the Snail. As he did so, you could see the passion that he held for medicine and science, and the beauty and wonder that can be found in those disciplines.

This passion was evident in all of my interactions with him. He was a phenomenal teacher, humorous and soft spoken and kind, humble before God and fiercely proud of his children, and truly inspirational to everyone around him.

He is one of the main reasons that I, like countless other students, became a physician, and I hope that I live up to his example.

His passing is a tremendous loss for the Baylor family and the hundreds, if not thousands, of students he inspired and mentored over the years.
Tuesday May 01, 2018
Condolence From: Jill Reeves
Condolence: Richard and I were so sorry to learn of Bill's passing. He was one of the nicest people we have ever met. Whenever I was over from the UK visiting DBU I always made a visit to Waco, to say hello. Some years back, Bill gave us a great tour round Baylor. It was so interesting to witness the various students who were so pleased to see him and stop and talk with him. He was very highly revered. We hosted both Argye and Bill here along with Bernard Braine ( (Lord Braine) in the UK when they came over. I know he will be much missed. We both have heavy hearts.
Tuesday May 01, 2018
Condolence From: Michael Fredkin
Condolence: My family and I spent a great deal of time with his son Danny's family. The whole Fredkin family sends our condolences. It sounds like he lived a very full life. - Michael Fredkin
Monday April 30, 2018
Condolence From: Terry and Kim Johnston
Condolence: Kim and I were privileged to know another side of Bill and Argye--we were blessed to be their neighbors and tenants for the years I attended Truett Seminary.
For several years after his mother died, Dr. Hillis would rent out her house for a ridiculously low lease for Truett students, particularly those with families. Many times I would take the rent down to him, and we would sit, enjoy a cold drink, and talk about how we Baptists were always able to mess things up!
We worked on several projects together on the house, including replacing the garage door opener after the raccoon incidents of 2009-10.
I knew Dr. Hillis was an accomplished professor, administrator, and clinical physician, but I knew him better as my friend. I am sad to hear of his passing.
Monday April 30, 2018
Condolence From: Lisa
Condolence: I want to express my sincere sympathy to the family and share some comfort and hope from God's word. In it he promises to bring our loved ones back to life in a perfect world where there will be no more suffering or death. (Acts 24:15; John 5:28, 29; Revelation 21:4; Isaiah 25:8) Until that time comes, Jehovah God assures us at Psalm 34:18 that he "is close to the brokenhearted" and "He saves those who are crushed in spirit." So he understands your pain and grief and is eager to help you by giving you the strength you need to cope during this most difficult time. (Philippians 4:13)
Monday April 30, 2018
Condolence From: Mich E.
Condolence: My condolences dear family, and many happy memories of Mr. Hillis be with you. And may these promises from Jehovah God bring you true solace. "Do not be anxious....but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7; Isaiah 25:8 NWT.

Sincerely,

Mich
Monday April 30, 2018
Condolence From: Calvin B. Smith
Condolence: Dr. Hillis was always there, he continually advised, mentored and was a dear friend. He supported all of our efforts to develop something more than the Strecker in the basement. He was a major contributor to the Science Fair of his time and expertise and willing gave his consuel, and patience, to many young people who were inspired by his calm demeanor, diverse knowledge and sincere direction. I missed him when I left and more so now.
Sunday April 29, 2018
Condolence From: Mark Taylor
Condolence: I will always have fond memories of Bill. He offered me a position in the Biology Department 33 years ago, and I enjoyed serving alongside him as a teacher and on the premedical advisory committee. He was a great teacher, mentor, and friend. He will truly be missed.
Friday April 27, 2018
Condolence From: Robert Doyle
Condolence: A true hero of our faith and our discipline of biology. Bill will be truly missed- and long remembered. Robert Doyle, Professor Biology, Baylor University.
Friday April 27, 2018
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