Retired Alabama pastor Hilyer dies: Thomas Earl Hilyer

Retired Alabama pastor Hilyer dies: Thomas Earl Hilyer

Thomas Earl Hilyer, who most recently served as pastor of New Salem Baptist Church, Clanton, died Aug. 9. He was 74. 

Hilyer, of Chilton County, graduated from Howard College in Birmingham (now Samford University) and was ordained in 1958. 

He served as pastor of 17 Alabama Baptist churches in Chilton, St. Clair, Coosa, Clay and Talladega counties including Oak Grove First Baptist Church, Sylacauga; Lincoln Baptist Church and Center Hill Baptist Church, Jemison.

He served New Salem Baptist for three years and retired in 2011.

Hilyer is survived by his wife, Mary; four children; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.