Look your best at D. Hilly

PERKINS TWP. — As a mournful father, Billy Hill continues to hold onto a lot of excruciating pain and mental anguish from a horrific incident happening three years ago. A new business not only helps Billy cope with his never-ending grieving process but also pays tribute to his late son, De'Yon. Billy recently opened up D. Hilly in the Sandusky Mall next to American Eagle Outfitters. The store, prominently featuring an artistic depiction of De'Yon's face above its entrance, matches the hours of Sandusky Mall's operational times. The name honors De'Yon, 21, who was killed in a shooting incident in 2019. It resulted in two individuals being charged with aggravated murder. "I just had to bring positivity to the tragic loss my family took," said Billy, a Sandusky resident, who has six other children. D. Hilly serves as an urban fashion clothing store, offering the latest styles for men and boys. "We cover everything," said Billy, specifically referencing the store's sweatshirts, hoodies, sweatsuits and denim choices, which include jeans. "When it comes to denim, we have the best selections in the city." Those working for Billy, including himself, travel to fashion capitals nationwide — like Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and elsewhere — in hopes of bringing back the best products into Sandusky. "When I go to buy, I touch everything to make sure it is of the highest quality," Billy said. Many considered De'Yon, who worked at Finish Line in Sandusky Mall, as a contemporary, fashionable dresser. "All three of my sons (Antoine, Javell and De'Yon) dress very nicely," Billy said. "We all love clothing. And, just like what my son (De'Yon) would have wanted, it's very well stocked, and we have the hottest fashions." He encourages people to come down and check out the store. "My No. 1 focus is customer service," said Billy, who appreciates the overwhelming support he's received from community members so far. "While I do want to make a profit, this is really about showing my kids that we can bring something to the loss of their brother and my son." Billy's daughter Taylor ultimately convinced her dad to open up a new store. They both pursued new career ambitions as Taylor recently graduated from the Sandusky Career Center School of Practical Nursing. His other daughters are Rayesha, Billie and Journee. "I put my all into this," Billy said. "If anyone else that has lost a child, please know that you can try to find some light at the end of the tunnel. It's been a struggle for me. Every day is hard, seeing his name and face here, but I'm doing this for me, my kids and especially De'Yon."