Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Harold Hilliard
Sep 15th, 1934 - Feb 6th, 2018Harold L. Hilliard, age 83, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Tuesday evening, February 6, 2018, at his home.
He was born September 15, 1934, in Akron, Ohio, to Hershel and Doris (Courtright) Hilliard. He married Mary Catherine “Katie” Murphy on May 17, 1955, at Pleasant Grove Christian Church in Geff, and together they shared 62 years of marriage.
Harold’s family moved to Illinois during his youth. He played high school basketball in Cisne, a sport that he remained interested in throughout life, and later emerged into his dedication for the Flora Wolves Basketball team as a devoted fan, as well as serving as assistant coach, and faithfully attending games. He served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Washington and Alaska. He and Katie started their family in Portland, where he owned a Shell station. Harold loved horses, and he served in the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Posse and Governor’s Honor Guard. Throughout life, Harold made his living working around cars, but his mark was truly made as a man who was always willing to stop whatever he was doing and help someone who was in need, and for giving the most generous gift of all to others—his time. He was a faithful follower of Christ for over 60 years, and was a member of the Louisville Church of Christ where he enjoyed leading others in song.
He is survived by his wife: Katie Hilliard of Flora; son: Michael T. Hilliard of Flora; daughter: Patricia L. Hilliard of Du Quoin; 5 grandchildren: Katelynn Hilliard, Mason Wood, Payton Wood, Bailee Hilliard, and Danielle Hilliard; sister: Mildred (Bob) Grubb of Flora; brother: Dennis (Natalie) Hilliard of Creal Springs; sister-in-law: Sharon Hilliard of Sandwich; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his granddaughter: Tareena Hilliard, and her mother, Amy Paul; and a brother: Lewis Hilliard.
A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 10, 2018, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Christian Church Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Flora Wolves Basketball or the Carbondale Saluki Swim Club and will be accepted through the funeral home.