David L. Hiers

David Lamar Hiers, 72 passed away on Sunday, January 17, 2016, while staying with family in Lakeland, Florida. Born on November 27, 1943, in Bartow, Florida, he was the youngest of four children born to Harley Lee Hiers and Thelma Carlton Hiers. He graduated from Summerlin Institute in Bartow in 1961. He attended the University of Florida on a football scholarship. He served in the Army Reserves for six years. He completed his bachelor’s degree at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. He was a biology teacher and head football coach at Bartow High School in the early 1970’s. He changed careers in 1974 to become a real estate broker with Griffin Real Estate and continued his career with Quality Real Estate before retiring in 1998. He lived in Bartow most of his life with his wife and two children, and later retired to his cabin in the Ocala National Forest. He was an avid outdoorsman for most of his life. He is survived by his son, David Judson Hiers, and daughter, Keely Hiers Chestnut (Kevin), and his former wife, Judith Britt Hiers, whom all reside in Lakeland. He is also survived by his siblings, H.L. Hiers, Jr. (Thalia), JoAnn Henderson and Janice Wolff He also leaves behind a large extended family of cousins, nephews and nieces. He made many friends through the years with whom he shared many fond memories. He enjoyed a good conversation whether it was with a friend or someone he just met. He made us all laugh at one time or another. He lived a good life; loved his family and friends, the Florida Gators, and fishing and hunting. He will be deeply missed. Family will receive friends Saturday, January 23, 2016 from 10-11 A.M. at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow. Funeral services will follow at 11 AM at the funeral home.