Raymond Henry Hilliard, 63, passed away on Saturday, April 13 ^th , 2019 in Jackson, TN.

Ray was born in Auburn, NY to George Hilliard and Frances Gardner Hilliard on March 29 ^th , 1956.  He graduated from Southern Cayuga High School and later on Tompkins Cortland Community College. In 1982, he and Lelia Dowd had a child, Josiah Hilliard. He married Kathleen (Bartlett) Hilliard in 1990 and although they later separated, they raised 3 daughters together. He was in the US Navy 1974-1978 and then in the National Guard. He worked in manufacturing for Welch Allyn for 10 years as well as various other jobs in central NY. His faith was very important to him and he joined a Christian church every place he lived, most recently Antioch United Methodist Church in Tennessee.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents and four siblings, Tommy Hilliard, Charles Hilliard, Bobby Hilliard, and Sara Schoubye.

Ray is survived by four children: Josiah Hilliard of PA, Rebecca Vingee of NY, and Elizabeth and Kristen Hilliard both of SC; two sisters: Elsie Rose and Helen Dwyer both of NY; six brothers: Larry Hilliard, Paul Hilliard, Tommy Hilliard, Jimmy Hilliard, and George Hilliard Jr. all of NY, and David Hilliard of AZ; and two grandchildren: Julianna Hilliard and Maxwell Vingee.

A private celebration of life will take place in Skaneateles, NY on May 11 ^th , with a larger memorial to be held at the Hilliard Family Reunion. Burial will be at the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the AMVETS National Service Foundation (amvetsnsf.org).

Ray's family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Koller and other healthcare providers at the Jackson-Madison General Hospital.