Obituary of Samuel Clyde Hilliard

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Samuel Clyde Hilliard. “Sammy”, as he is known to family and friends, passed away peacefully at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida, January 2, 2019.

Born in Cross City, Florida on August 16, 1939, he was preceded in death by his only brother Jimmie Hilliard, his loving mother Loiselle Hilliard, and his late father L.J. Hilliard.

Spending much of his life in Ocala, Florida, Sammy had been in The National Guard Reserves, a member of the zoning board, the Scottish Rite and the Elks Club. He was also the worshipful master of the Marion Dunn Masonic Lodge, an active Shriner, and a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Ocala.

He was employed by Ring Power / Ringhaver Equipment Company for 40 years, eventually serving as sales manager and executive vice president in Jacksonville and Tampa, Florida.  A lifelong hunting enthusiast and marksman, he was a founding member of Pasco Sportsmen Inc.

Sammy leaves behind his adoring wife of 54 years, Brenda Atkinson Hilliard, Tampa, Florida, his son Chris Hilliard, Atlanta, Georgia, two granddaughters, Caitlin and Kristen Hilliard of St. Petersburg, Florida and Greenville, South Carolina respectively, and a grandson, Cooper Hilliard of Blue Ridge, Georgia.

Graveside services will be held on Sunday, January 6, 2019, at 1:00 PM at Highland Memorial Park, 1515 North East 3^rd Street, Ocala, FL 34470.  Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home in Downtown Ocala is handling the arrangements, www.heirs-baxley.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Sam Hilliard to LifeLink Organ Transplant Foundation at http://secure.donorpro.com/lifelink