Albert Hilliard Sr.

Obituary for Albert Hilliard, Sr.

Initially, the family planned to write a traditional obituary. But they soon realized that Albert Hilliard, Sr., born January 20, 1928, was not a typical husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, friend, or coworker. He was extraordinary in every role he held.

Albert was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, to the late Earnest and Bessie Abraham-Hilliard. He attended public school in Orangeburg, leaving at an early age to help support his family. A hard worker from the very beginning, Albert later moved to Maryland in 1952, where he began working in the poultry industry. He eventually became a heavy-equipment operator in the construction field, a career to which he dedicated many years. After retiring in the mid-1980s, Albert continued to serve faithfully, working on the docks in West Ocean City whenever needed, until the end of his long and well-lived life.

Albert was a devoted member of Jehovah Tabernacle Holiness Church, where he served first as a trustee and later as a deacon for many years. His faith guided every part of his life.

A loving husband and father, Albert provided for his family and loved them unconditionally. He was a man of many talents - a mechanic, plumber, landscaper, and gifted baker. He was known by many for his delicious brownies and sweet potato pies. Albert was an easy-going, quiet gentleman who "never complained" about anything life placed in his path. In his spare time, he loved bowling with family and friends. He also loved old-school gospel music and would sometimes bless the church with renditions of his favorite James Patterson songs. Albert will be missed immensely.

His legacy lives on through: his beloved wife of forty-eight (48) years, Blanche Hilliard; eight sons, Albert (Linda) Hilliard of Berlin, MD, Robert (Sheila) Hilliard of Jacksonville, NC, Lorenzo West of Lewes, DE, Alphonso (Toni) Hilliard of West Palm Beach, FL, Melvin (Andrea) Hilliard of Berlin, MD, Robert (Maxine) Hilliard of Mardela Springs, MD, Wayne Hilliard of Frederick, MD; and Glen Hilliard of Stockton, MD; two daughters, Vyoletus Candelario of Pocomoke, MD, and Lisa Hilliard of Whaleyville, MD; a special niece, Della Carter of Orangeburg, South Carolina; twenty-five grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Arlese Hilliard, one daughter, Cormelia Hilliard, and fourteen brothers and one sister.