Hillie Everett Harris, 74, of York County, passed away January 16, 2022 at his home in Newport News, following an unexpected return of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma for which he was first treated in 2008. He was surrounded by friends and family and in the care of his fiancée, Janet Watkins.

Born February 18, 1947, in Portsmouth, VA, he was the son of the late Harry and Vera Harris of Elizabeth City, NC. He was a proud alumnus of Portsmouth’s Cradock High School. After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. After a tour of duty, he was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. Hillie retired in 2009 as a QA Specialist for SUPSHIP, USN in Newport News.

Hillie was a compassionate caregiver throughout his life. He helped care for his late son, Chad, after he became a quadriplegic due to an unfortunate accident. He also nursed his former partner of seventeen years, Ethel Hofmaier, through her battle with cancer until she passed in 2014. Hillie always showed great love, care, and patience for those he attended.

Hillie was a man of many talents and interests. He enjoyed boating and fishing. Hillie was a talented stained-glass artist, golfer, and marksman. One of Hillie’s greatest passions was cars. Over his lifespan, he owned numerous vehicles and he enjoyed the thrill of racing. Hillie enjoyed giving back to the community. He was a volunteer at the Ferguson Center for the Arts. He helped design and build cardboard boats that were entered in the Williamsburg Jaycees’ race that benefited the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Hillie’s intellectual curiosity attracted him to CNU’s LifeLong Learning Society where he enjoyed classes and fellowship. Hillie attended Trinity United Methodist Church (Poquoson) becoming part of the Wesley Fellowship Class.

Hillie is survived by his devoted fiancée, Janet Watkins of Newport News, VA. Hillie will be missed by his children, Brian Nozolino (Robbie) of Chesapeake, VA, and Lynn Whittaker (Dave) of Clarksville, VA. He is survived by his sister, Barbara Gorrell (Peter) of Elizabeth City, NC; his brother, Randy Harris (Debbie) of Elizabeth City, NC; Janet’s two sons, Bryan Godfrey (friend Meredith) of Henrico, VA and Jason Godfrey (Jessica) of Newport News, VA; and Elaine Strople of Suffolk, VA, his first wife and mother of his son, Chad.

One of Hillie’s greatest joys in life was being a grandfather. He always provided constant love and support to his grandchildren. He attended numerous sporting events, dance recitals, swim meets, and other activities his grandchildren participated in. His grandchildren took great comfort in knowing Grandpa Hillie was only a call away. He will be truly missed by his grandchildren: Halie and John Nozolino, and Ella, Grayson, and Cole Godfrey.

Cremation will be handled by the Cremation Society of Virginia and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to the Life Rolls On Foundation (liferollson.org), in honor of Hillie’s son, Chad.