David Eric Hiland

David Eric Hiland was born on November 29, 1945, in Huntingburg, Indiana, to Gladys and Delbert Hiland. David would later joke with his children and grandchildren that a stork had brought him into the world, and that was indeed true; a Dr. Stork delivered him at Stork Hospital.

The third of six children, he spent most of his adolescent and teenage years in Louisville,Kentucky, before moving with his family to Atlanta, Georgia. After high school, David enrolled at the Georgia Institute of Technology with a major in Industrial Engineering. He later cofounded the Georgia Tech chapter of Phi Kappa Theta with lifelong friend Jim Macke (whom David’s children called Uncle Jimmy).

While in college, David met Sieba Eileen Hiland (née White), and he often recalled how he knew immediately she would be his wife, though he asked the Lord for His help just in case. They married on March 16, 1968, and celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary this year. David and Sieba’s first child, Laurel, was born on June 27, 1969. Shortly after her birth, the new parents packed their infant daughter and belongings into a VW Bug and moved from Atlanta toSeaford, Delaware, for David’s job at Dupont. They would have four more children while in Delaware: Sean (1971), Jennifer (1974), Kathleen (1978), and Melissa (1980).

Through many years (and a move to North Augusta, SC), David continued his career as an engineer from Dupont to Westinghouse. He was an active part of the community, and a supporter of Catholic education, sending each of his children to Our Lady of Peace Catholic School and Aquinas Catholic High School. He also served on the Aquinas School Board, while his children were in
attendance. David acted as a member of OLP’s building committee, voting on architectural and design choices for the now-constructed Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. His faith was central to his life, exhibited by his unlimited love for others and his commitment to family relationships. Besides his wife and children, one of his greatest joys was his grandchildren.

David and Sieba were known to attend every birth, performance, recital, sports game, and grandparents’ day they could, often traveling across the country to catch even the most minor events. After a long career as an engineer, he transitioned to insurance, where he felt that he could make a difference in individuals’ lives, something he always strove to do. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, Georgia Tech graduate, engineer, card player, golfer, bowler, carpenter, a source of love and laughter, and so much more.

David passed away on Sunday, October 2, 2022. The memory of his unconditional love, faith, and selfless service will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.

David is survived by his wife, Sieba Hiland, his five siblings, Steve Hiland (Barb),
Margaret Myers (Jim), Greg Hiland (Mary), Cynthia Steele (John), and Gwen Branson (Randy); as well as his five children, Laurel Hoverkamp (Robert), Sean Hiland (Julie), Jennifer White, Kathleen Slagle (Jeff), and Melissa Roberts (Matt). He is also remembered by his fifteen grandchildren (in order of birth), Alana Tabuyo (Tanner), Benjamin Hoverkamp, Madeline Hoverkamp, Lily Slagle, Mary Caroline Hoverkamp, Aiden White, Martin Slagle, Kyler Slagle, Zachary White, William Spencer, Eleanor Hiland, Rosemary White, Grace Hiland, and Ethan Hiland, in addition to two great-grandchildren, Haylee and Beckett Tabuyo. David welcomed international students Cyril Cocq and Michelle Cao into his family, whom he loved as a son and granddaughter. They remember him fondly, in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, and family friends.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Our Lady of Peace Catholic School, 139 Way of Peace, North Augusta, SC 29841.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com