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With the Lord

Gary Hilliker, Missions Director

By May 30, 2012No Comments

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Gary Leslie Hilliker, missionary and director with Baptist Mid-Missions, died on May 24 at age 70.

Gary was a member of First Baptist Church, Wellington, Ohio, until he moved to Grand Rapids and became a member of Northland Baptist Church. In 1966 Gary and his wife were accepted as missionaries to Venezuela with Baptist Mid-Missions. After serving for 15 years, he was general director of Editorial Bautista Independiente, Baptist Mid-Missions’ Spanish publishing house in Florida for 15 years, and then director of international development for 11 years.

He earned his MDiv from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary and received an honorary doctorate from El Colegio Universitario Bautista in Puerto Rico.

Gary enjoyed playing his trumpet with the Highlands County Concert Band. As a hobby, he performed as a clown known as Bubbles and participated in various parades and parties. He also entertained many groups with his magic skills.

Survivors include Gary’s wife of 48 years, Bernice, and their sons, Brian and Wayne.