Lonnie Ray Hilliard Sr.

Lonnie Ray Hilliard, Sr., 68, of Greenwood, Delaware, began his life on January 10, 1951, in Selbyville, Delaware, where he was the fifth of six children born to Mary Hilliard and the late Dorsey Hilliard. He peacefully departed this life as he slept, on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, at his home in Greenwood. Lonnie received his early education at Phillip C. Showell Elementary School and William C. Jason Comprehensive High School. He also attended Job Corps in Utah, where he received training in construction work. In May 1978, Lonnie married the love of his life, Helena Walters. To this union, three children were born. In May of 2019, Lonnie and Helena celebrated forty-one years of matrimony. Lonnie was an amazing son, husband, father and grandfather. He affectionately referred to Helena as “Honey’’ every time he wanted to get her attention. Lonnie began working at age fifteen at the Lighthouse Restaurant with his mother. He was also employed at H&H Poultry, Doyles Restaurant, Croll’s Construction, and the Stockley Center. In addition, he had numerous side jobs and hustles such as, “Anything Under the Sun”, “Bird Breeding” with his good friend, and business partner, Mr. Pursely, and Bob Jacks Club and Restaurant, which he operated with his brothers and children. Lonnie had many skills in creating unique items and tools that enhanced the sport of fishing. Lonnie’s greatest passion was serving the Lord, to which he remained faithful to the end. He was eager and willing to pray whenever called upon. His genuine and inspiring prayers always included a special request for God to bless and to protect our children. A proud and devoted grandfather, he cherished the quality time spent with his grandson, Devin, watching their favorite television program “River Monsters”. Lonnie had a generous and giving spirit and loved being surrounded by his family and friends. He enjoyed cooking, fishing, and telephone conversations with close friends, reminiscing about the good old days. He also enjoyed listening to gospel music and singing in his beloved Waiting on Jesus choir, being a member of the Atmosphere of Praise Choir, the Bridgeville Charge Men’s Choir, and The Bridgeville Charge Choir. His dynamic bass voice added much flavor to each choir and will be greatly missed. With a spirit to help others, each year, Lonnie looked forward to serving meals to the homeless during the Thanksgiving holiday. Lonnie was preceded in death by his father, Dorsey Hilliard. He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Helena; his beloved mother, Mary Hilliard; five sons, Lonnie Hilliard, Jr. (Nicole) of Harrington, DE, Chris Watson (Joyce) of Delmar, DE, Duane Brown (Priscilla) of Bridgeville, DE, Gordon Handy of Selbyville, DE, and Terriance Walters (Kenyette) of Milford, DE; two daughters, Selena Eley (Leonard) and Cortney Hilliard, both of Greenwood, DE; 20 grandchildren; Tamara, Labrontae, Devonta’, Eisha, Lonnica, Nike, Shairee, Lakhia, Chavez, Nekea, Christionne, CJ, Shamika, Dalisha, Diamond, Jazmhir, Gordon Jr, Laterr, Randy and Devin; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Annie Handy (Lemuel) of Selbyville, DE and Reva Bivens (Denver) of Roxanna, DE; three brothers, John Hilliard (Rosetta), Dorsey Hilliard and Connie Hilliard, all of Williamsville, DE; four aunts;one uncle; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and two life-long faithful friends, Terrence Walters and Pete Major.

Lonnie Ray Hilliard Sr.

January 10, 1951 - June 26, 2019