Johnny Ray Hillhouse

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Johnny Ray Hillhouse, age 79, of Charleston, MO, on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

Having lived in Mississippi County his entire life, Johnny was born August 30, 1946, at Cairo, IL, to the late Ray Baker Hillhouse and Nelsene Brewer Hillhouse. Johnny was a lifelong farmer and owned and operated JR Hillhouse Farms until his retirement. Johnny dedicated his days to the land he loved. His work was more than an occupation-it was a calling, one that reflected his strong values, unwavering work ethic and deep appreciation for a simple, honest life. He took great pride in providing for his family and caring for his farm, rarely taking a day of rest, as his commitment never wavered.

On May 17, 1981, he married the love of his life, Nancy Clare Bryant Gunn. Together they built a life centered on family and hard work. He lovingly embraced Nancy’s two sons, Greg and Tory, as his own, and in time, the welcomed a daughter, Kara, who completed their family. He was also a proud grandfather to six grandchildren, two of those, Trenton and Aniya, he and Nancy welcomed into their home and were raising them with the same love, guidance, and devotion he gave his own children.

Johnny was a devoted husband, a steady and guiding father, and a man whose quiet strength and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

His legacy lives on through those who survive, his loving wife, Nancy; his children and grandchildren, Greg (Shannon) Gunn, Tory (Myra) Gunn, Kara Hillhouse Luna, Trenton Davis and Aniya Luna, Lauren Gunn, Jack Gunn, Bryant Gunn and Barrett Gunn; his brother and sisters, June Hillhouse, James (Pam) Hillhouse, Jana Lee and Lisa (Greg Hall) Hillhouse, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Benjamin Michael “Benny” Hillhouse and his maternal grandparents, Nelson Brewer and Nellie Ann Barrett Brewer and his paternal grandparents, Benjamin Hillhouse and Bernice Baker Hillhouse.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the funeral hour at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston. Rev. Larry Potts, pastor of Mighty Rivers Regional Worship Center in Cairo, IL, will officiate.

Interment will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery near Charleston under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Greg Gunn, Tory Gunn, Trenton Davis, Mike Hurley, Mark Hurley, Bryant Gunn and Barrett Gunn.

Honorary pallbearers will be, Robert Lee, Eddie Marshall, Steve Wright, Greg Hall, Walter Vines, Charles Tinsley and Emmett Burke.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Benny Hillhouse Memorial Park, c/o Michael Minner, 1314 East Cypress Street, Charleston, MO 63834 or to St. Henry Catholic School, 306 Court Street, Charleston, MO 63834.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.

Johnny will be deeply missed and forever remembered.