Bill R. Hilburn, 80, of Palacios, Texas, graduated to heaven on November 20, 2015 after a brief illness.

He was born on April 20, 1935 in Shannon, Texas to C.E. and Pearl Hilburn. He started farming as a teenager and enjoyed a life filled with many business ventures that quenched a thirst to build and succeed. From cotton farms, gas stations, oil wells, dairy farms, video stores, warehouses, distributorships, and cotton gins, Bill was a true entrepreneur. His first love was cotton, however, and when he purchased Farmers Gin in Palacios in 1992, he settled into his dream job. His employees couldn't outwork him if they tried, and his exceptional people skills were unmatched. He always worked towards improvement and thrived in that process.

In his rare spare time, Bill loved to read; he was known to finish novels in one day and that included frequent naps! He also enjoyed following politics, wood working, operating heavy machinery, traveling, southern gospel music, and searching for the perfect steak.

Survivors include his loving wife of 11 years, Evangeline Flores Hilburn of Palacios; daughters Debbie Hilburn of Austin and Amber Engel (John) of Palacios; son Scott Hilburn (Dawna) of Lubbock; step-sons Ricky Reyes of San Antonio and Eddie Reyes (Kari) of Bay City; brother Jerry Hilburn (Lois) of Ft. Collins, CO; grandchildren Matt Gunn (Heather), Wes Gunn (Rebecca), Maggie Arnold (Alex), Taylor Hilburn, Jackson Engel and Bailey Engel; step-grandchildren Kaden Reyes and Karli Reyes and 6 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Druecilla Simpson Hilburn; brothers Verlon Hilburn and Vaughn Hilburn; and sister Darlene Hooper.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 5PM until 7PM on Sunday, November 22, 2015 at Palacios Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, November 23, 2015 at Living Word Church in Palacios with Evangelist Rudy Guerra officiating. Interment will follow at Palacios Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chris Vandenbergh, Brent Batchelder, Wesley Batchelder, Jay Ledwig, Scott Ledwig, Mike McKissick, Bill Hansen, and Dean Hansen.

Please make memorials in his name to Texas Independent Ginners' Association Scholarship Fund (P.O. Box 1182, Brownwood, TX 76804) or Mission Possible Ministries (P.O. Box 62, Altus, AR 72821).