Richard Joseph Hillard

Richard Joseph Hillard, age 90, resident of Cleveland, TN, passed away Satuday, July 2009, in a Chattanooga hospital. Born July 13, 1919 in Bristol, Virginia, he was the son of the late Paul and Belle Hillard of Bristol, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Ruby Irene Hillard, brothers, James Hillard, Elmer Hillard and sisters, Pauline Smith and Vena Roberts. Mr. Hillard was a Life Insurance agent and District Manager for Southland Life Insurance Co. for 42 years. Many people will remember Mr. Hillard in Danville, Virginia where he spent 17 years as manager for Southland Life and in Pulaski, Virginia for 20 years as Southland Life District Manager. He was a veteran of WWII and served his country in the Army in North Africa and Europe. He was decorated with a Bronze Star. Mr. Hillard was a faithful member of the North Cleveland Baptist Church. During his life he served as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and other work in the church. Mr. Hillard, along with his wife Ruby Irene, moved to Cleveland in 1991 to be near their family.

Survivors include his son, Larry Hillard and daughter in law, Bonnie Dalton Hillard of Cleveland, TN; three granddaughters, Lori Lankford and husband Todd Lankford of Austin, TX, Amy Marathe and husband Amit Marathe, Clarksburg, Maryland and Joy Montgomery of Chattanooga, TN. Four great grandchildren, Jacob Montgomery, Chattanooga, TN, and Sam and Grace Lankford, Austin, TX and Ava Marathe, Clarksburg, Maryland. Two sisters, Dorothy Brooks and husband Wade Brooks of Bristol, Virginia and Wanda Kimberlin of Bristol, Virginia; sisters in law, Nina Hillard and Louise Hillard; two special brothers and sisters in law, Charles and Ruth Hutton of Florida and Billy and Jean Hutton of Bristol, Virginia. Several nieces and nephews also survive who loved him very much.

A Celebration of the Life and Home Going of Richard Joseph Hillard will be held Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at North Cleveland Baptist Church with Dr. Jay McCluskey officiating. Interment will be held at 3:30 p.m. at Mountain View Cemetery in Bristol, Virginia. The body will lie in state from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the church.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the North Cleveland Baptist Church For A Future Generation Building Fund.

The family will receive friends Monday, July 27, 2009, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Grissom Funeral Home who has charge of funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.grissomfh.net