Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Robert Hilliard
Feb 29th, 1932 - Jul 17th, 2020Robert E. Hilliard, age 88, of Rinard, Illinois, passed away Friday morning, July 17, 2020, at his home.
He was born February 29, 1932, at home in rural Wayne County, near Johnsonville, Illinois, the son of Chloris and Freda (Milner) Hilliard. He was united in marriage to Marjorie McCracken on April 30, 1955, at the Elm Street Christian Church in Olney, and they have shared 65 wedding anniversaries with one another.
Robert was a lifetime farmer, and had driven a school bus for Flora in the past. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and managed the Company A 79th Engineering Construction Battalion. As a dedicated member of Blue Point Free Will Baptist church since 1968, he was ordained into his current role as a deacon in 1976. He loved his church family and actively served as a Sunday School teacher over the years. Robert was always there to help family, friends, and neighbors, and would warmly greet others with a smile. He was an all-around handyman who was especially skilled at woodworking, and enjoyed making and fixing all kinds of things. He would put out a big garden, appreciated antiques, and most significantly he will be remembered for loving his family immeasurably.
He is survived by his wife: Marjorie Hilliard of Rinard; a son: Bob (Beth) Hilliard of Rinard; a daughter: Connie (Roger) McGrew of Xenia; 5 grandchildren: Jessica (Andrew) Pennington, Kyle (Renae) Hilliard, Travis (Rachel) McGrew, Tyler (Sadie) McGrew, and Kendal (Ray) Sacchieri; 8 great-grandchildren: Bristol and Rawlings Pennington, Kason and Hayes Hilliard, Collins and Oliver McGrew, and Sam and Denver Sacchieri; also another great-grandchild now on-the-way; a sister: Dorothy (Gary) Courtright of Waters, Michigan; a grandson-in-law: Riley Young of Alabama; as well as 4 sisters-in-law; 2 brothers-in-law; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter: Jennifer Hilliard Young; and a brother: Archie Hilliard.
A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday July 22, 2020, at Blue Point Free Will Baptist Church, Cisne. Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 21, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora from 4 until 8 p.m. and on Wednesday at the church from 10 a.m. until the hour of service. Interment will be in Cisne Cemetery with the presentation of military funeral honors by Clay City American Legion Post 840 and Sailor Springs American Legion Post 230. Memorial donations are suggested to the Blue Point Free Will Baptist Church Link Building Fund, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a memory or condolence visit: www.frankandbright.com