Shorty was born on March 15, 1945, in Detroit, MI to Ralph and Hazel (Ohrman) Hiller. He graduated from McKenzie High School with the class of 1964 and later graduated from Lawrence Technological University with an associate degree. Shorty proudly served in the United States Navy from 1966 until 1970 and later was discharged from the Naval Reserves in 1972. He married Sharon K. Murphy on July 31, 1971, and she preceded him in death on August 7, 2022.
Shorty was employed by the Ford Motor Co. as an Engineer Technologist before retiring after many years. He was a former member of First Congregation Church in Hudson and most recently attended West Adrian Community Church. Shorty was a fan of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Redwings, and watching the WWF. He was a “brutal” Euchre and Pinochle player. Shorty would take his daughter, Kerry, fishing and then treating her to a banana split afterwards. Perhaps his favorite past time was sitting on the porch, enjoying a cigar and a Heineken. He was a very well-liked person who never met a stranger and was the life of the party who would dance the Jitterbug to liven things up. Above all else, Shorty will be remembered as loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Left to cherish his memory is daughter, Kerry (Paul) Schlabach; three grandsons, Login (Kelsie) Sarnac, Tatton Sarnac, and Nolan Sarnac; great-grandchildren, Mason Sarnac, Levi Sarnac and Magnolia Sarnac; long time dear friend, Gregg Stefansky, and devoted friends Jeff and Sarah Miller; companion Elise; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family that will miss him greatly. Shorty was preceded in death by his parents, infant son, Benjamin Lee Hiller, his wife, Sharon, a sister and a brother.
A visitation for Shorty will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 3-5:00 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home in Adrian with a funeral service beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Matthew Carlton officiating. Cremation will follow and his wishes were to have his cremated remains scattered at sea from a Navy vessel.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Tunnel to Towers Foundation in his memory.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.
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