Reedie O. Hillis, third of eight children, was born to Ervin and Zonie (Stroud) Hillis, in New Madrid County, Missouri. He entered the Army Air Corps. Pilot training program in June 1943 after graduating from Parma, Missouri high school. He completed Pilot Training in August 1944 and flew C-47 transport planes from Naples, Italy for 10 months during WWII. He flew 25 combat missions from Okinawa as Aircraft Performance Engineer on B-29 type aircraft during the Korean War, and was awarded 2 Air Medals, he completed 20 years of Military service and retired from the USAF on August 31, 1965 at the rank of Major. Moved to Madison County in 1965.

He married Juanita Wilson on November 10, 1945 and had Two (2) sons, Kenneth and Cameron, was widowed in 1977. Remarried on January 7, 1978 to Edna (Kinney) McDuffie. He is survived by One (1) son, Three (3) grandchildren, Five (5) great grandchildren and Two (2) great, great grandchildren.