Raymond Eugene Hileman
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Raymond “Ray” Eugene Hileman, 72, of Clearwater, died Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
He was born to the late Charles and Mary (Cooper) Hileman on November 17, 1952 in Johnstown, PA. Formerly ordained in the Church of the Brethren, he served congregations in PA, OH, and FL for over 50 years. He was passionate about Intercultural Ministry and solid biblical preaching.
He was a talented vocalist who enjoyed Contemporary Christian and Choral music, and most especially enjoyed Christmas music. At the time of his passing, he had already created his Christmas 2024 playlist.
He also enjoyed Christmas movies, Westerns, and Comedies, and was a great fan of John Wayne. He was an avid reader and had a contagious laugh.
Ray is survived by his wife Graciela Paula, his children’s mother Cindy Lee Nestor (Mike; Lisbon, OH), children Leah J. Hileman (Seward, PA) and Michael C. Hileman (Stacy; Salem, OH), stepchildren Madeline Klemm and Fernando Asencio, and grandchildren Rebecca, Hannah, Sarah, Natalie, Ethan, Samantha, and Liam.
He was pre-deceased by parents Charles and Mary, and sister Linda (James) Reininger. In lieu of flowers, love gifts may be given via Venmo @leahjsongs to defray out-of-state travel expenses and give Christmas blessings to Ray’s children and grandchildren.
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Always enjoyed being around Ray both in Northern Ohio and Florida. He was always an encouragement. He will be missed
Ray was always happy and full of life ! 🙏🏽prayers for his soul. And for 🕊️peace for the family
So sorry to hear. A terrific guy!!🙏🙏
Rev. Ray as l called him was a real man of God. His Christlike life shared with me and others are memories that l cherish. He always smile, hugs, laugh and called me Sister! l felt loved, cared and supported by him. My heartaches and sending greetings to the family who loss such a great father, and to the Church and all who knows him. I will truly missed you Rev. Ray. But you know you are with the Lord. Continue to Rest until we meet to part no more.
My sincere sympathies to Ray’s family members. I am so sorry to hear of his death. We were JHS classmates in the class of 1970. It was also a blessing to be pastoral colleagues post graduation. We were called to the ministry and loved being pastors. I was so happy that we reconnected on Facebook in recent years. He has now heard this greeting from our Lord: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
I will always remember Ray as a wonderful friend and colleague in our years together in the Northern Ohio District. His faithfulness to Jesus, passion for worship, devotion to authentic biblical witness, and vision for cross-cultural unity in the faith all testify to a rich legacy the Ray leaves to us.
Giving thanks to the Lord for Ray’s life and faithful ministry. Thanking the Lord as well for Ray’s friendship and encouragement as a ministry colleague.
Pastor Ray was a dear friend and mentor for me and my family. His preaching was so effortless, for he knew his Bible well and had a passion for bringing the Word alive. He had a heart of service, always lending a hand to the needy and helping with Family Promise while at Celebration of Christ. He baptized my nephew, Daniel along with another young man – will always be a special memory for us.
Ray’s glowing personality and “no nonsense” approach to the ministry will long be remembered. He will be deeply missed by those of us who admired and loved him.
Remembering Ray and his passion for biblical fidelity and intercultural ministry. He was a larger than life leader, beloved by the congregations he served. Ray’s legacy lives on, in eternity and on earth, in Christ.