Russellville electric board member passes away

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
A familiar face will be missing when the city council and county commission meet from now on.
Robert Hillman, a lifelong Russellville resident and chairman of the city's electric board, died early Friday morning after suffering a massive heart attack the day before.
"I can't tell you how bad I'm going to miss him," said Hillman's nephew, Allen Rorer.
The two were part of an organization called the Franklin Civic Social Club who worked to help children and seniors in need.
"He came to me one day and said he wanted to do something for the community," Rorer said. "He started with taking kids fishing at Elliott Branch and then it just grew."
Over the years the organization provided holiday turkey baskets to families across the county who were in need.
"He always told me that if he wasn't going to do some good he wouldn't put his time into doing something," said Steve Defoor, Manager of the Russellville Electric Board.
Hillman served more than two terms on the board and was an active participant in the weekly safety meetings the board held.
"He took his role seriously," Defoor said. "But I lost a friend, not just a board member."
Sheriff Larry Plott, who knew Hillman since he was a seen, echoed the sentiments of many in the community.
"He is a person that's really going to be missed," Plott said. "I saw him help a lot of people through the years, not just kids, but senior citizens as well."
Hillman was retired from Reynolds Metals and spent much of his time helping others or staying active in local government meetings.
"Robert was very concerned about his community and he did a lot to help his community," Russellville Mayor Johnny Brown said. "I am saddened to hear about his passing."
Rorer said he saw his uncle outside Thursday morning on the front porch as he drove past Hillman's home.
"He was out there on the porch where he liked to sit," he said. "I am going to miss him. I learned to respect him as an uncle and as a mentor."