Vail Stone Hiers passed away on March 7, 2010 at Hospice House in Vero Beach, Fla. He was born Dec. 7, 1931 in West Palm Beach, Fla.. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jacqualine Hiers; two daughters, Brenda Dirkse (Randy) and Barbara Comer (Mike); son, Nicholas Hiers (Rachael); grandchildren, Michelle Lynn Bishop, Jennifer Rene Dirkse, Hannah Hiers, Cara Courtney, Christian Courtney, Bryan Courtney and one great granddaughter, Destiny Courtney; one great grandson, Scott Courtney; twin sister, Elizabeth Ann Alligood (Jesse); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins with whom he visited each year at his annual family reunion. He is also survived by his constant companion, May-May; and his great-grandog, Bailey Bishop. He was predeceased by his parents, Hubert Victor Hiers and Ruth Palmer Hiers; brothers, Hubert Lamar Hiers, William Thomas Hiers and Herman Vincent Hiers; and sisters, Juanita Ruth Hiers; and the triplet who was deceased at birth. He was born in West Palm Beach, Fla., and has the distinction of being one of the first triplets born in Palm Beach County. He graduated from Palm Beach High School and continued his education at Norman College, Union University, Valdosta State and Nova Southeastern. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served in the Korean War. He began his teaching career in Vero Beach with the Indian River County School System, in 1959 and taught music at the Vero Beach High School, and the old junior high and the Freshman Learning Center. He also taught briefly in Ocilla, Ga. and Cordele, Ga. After his first retirement from Indian River County, he returned to the classroom to teach math. Once again, he retired from the Indian River County School System and until as recent as May 2009, he taught in the Adult Education Program at Indian River State College, helping many students to complete their high school equivalency examination. He was ordained a minister of music and served many churches throughout his lifetime. He was also an ordained a deacon at First Baptist Church in Vero Beach, Fla. He was currently a member of Kings Baptist Church in Vero Beach, Fla. He was an active member of Gideons International, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was active in scouting in Indian River County with his son Nick, who achieved the honor of Eagle Scout. Vail played French horn for many graduation ceremonies throughout the years at Tabernacle Baptist School. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gideons International, Hospice of Indian River County, Senior Resource Association. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday at Kings Baptist Church, Vero Beach. A memorial service is at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 13, 2010, at Morrison Baptist Church in Brooks County, Ga. with interment to follow in Morrison Baptist Church Cemetery. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me, the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8. — Hillcrest Memorial Park, West Palm Beach, Fla.