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Gary Hilliard
In Memory of
Gary W. 
Hilliard
1944 - 2017
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Roden-Pryor Funeral Directors
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Obituary for Gary W. Hilliard

Gary W.   Hilliard
Gary Weldon Hilliard went into the arms of the Lord Sunday, October 22nd. His calling was unexpected but his family and friends are comforted to know he was in the arms of his beloved wife of 49 years, Trudy, and died in their home. Gary was 73 at the time of his death and was born on May 9th, 1944 at St. Joseph’s hospital in Paris, Texas. His wonderful parents, Weldon and Leon Hilliard, and his little brother, Jim, are reunited with Gary in heaven. His brothers, Don and David, and sister, “Cissy”, looked up to their big brother and loved him dearly.

A Funeral Mass will be said 10:00 A.M. Thursday October 26, 2017 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church of Paris with Father Denzil Vithanage as celebrant; under the direction of Roden-Pryor Funeral Directors. A time of visitation will be 6:00 – 7:00 P.M. Wednesday October 25, 2017, and a Rosary Service will begin at 7:00 P.M. in the Gene Roden Memorial Chapel.

Gary attended Reno Elementary where it was first confirmed he was destined to succeed as he was named Valedictorian of his 8th Grade class. He went on to graduate from Paris High School and The University of Texas, Arlington where he received a B.S. in Civil Engineering. It was during his college years that he met the beautiful woman who would become the love of his life, Gertrude Hajovsky. They were married on September 15th 1968 in her hometown of La Grange, Texas and began their life’s journey together.

He was a few credit hours away from completing his Masters degree and Trudy was expecting their first child, Loyd, when he was drafted into the Vietnam War. His son was born in 69’ a few months before Gary left to fight for his country. He served one tour in Vietnam and left a highly decorated War Hero. He received three Bronze Star Medals, a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster and a Purple Heart for heroic service in a combat zone. Like many who served in Vietnam, he rarely talked about his time overseas but loved his country and was proud to serve. He completed his service and returned to Paris in 70’ and Trudy gave birth to their daughter, Laura, in 1971.

Upon returning he immediately went to work with his Father, Weldon, and Brother, Don, building the family business, Hilliard & Sons Contractors. For forty-two years Gary worked tirelessly to the benefit of those around him and never fully retired, even after the sale of the company. He was an honest and hard working professional and was deeply respected by his employees, clients and competitors.

Gary found comfort and joy in his lifelong connection to nature. He was known not only for being an avid hunter and sportsman but for owning an array of exotic and domestic animals. The ‘Hilliard Farm’ had everything from mountain lions, to rheas, to ferrets, at one time or another, and he took great pleasure in taking care of them all. Feeding the animals was part of his daily routine.

Gary was highly regarded as a Leader in his community as evidenced by his 21 years on the NISD Board of Trustees, 14 of which he served as President, his many years as a Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 3990, and his substantial involvement in the creation of the Red River Valley Veterans Memorial.

He is survived by his beloved wife Trudy Hilliard (Hajovsky), his son Loyd Hilliard and wife, Michelle, of Pearland, TX, his daughter Laura Dupont and husband Shawn of San Marcos, TX. His grandchildren Alexis Hilliard (21), Jack Dupont (13), Gus Dupont (11), and Ruby Dupont (9) all of whom adored their “Big Daddy” and who were equally adored by him.

Gary is also survived by his brothers Don and David Hilliard and his sister Marthanne “Cissy” Snethen all of Paris and many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Gary’s absence will be felt in many ways for the rest of our lives.
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