Marion Anthony Hilliard

Marion Anthony "Chick" Hilliard—the youngest son of the late Marion and Cornelia Hilliard, and younger brother of Michael Andre Hilliard—was born on December 31, 1965. On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, Marion transitioned from life on Earth to be with his Father in Heaven while doing the work that he dearly loved.

At an early age, Marion accepted Christ and was baptized at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church in Tallahassee, Florida. Affectionately known as "Chick" by family and friends, Marion was such a vivacious, energetic and kind person; he was a true gift to the world.

As a young boy, Marion served as the "mascot" for the FAMU Marching 100 band; after pregame and halftime performances in Bragg Memorial Stadium, onlookers could see him collecting the orange and green plumes that decorated the field. Marion was absolutely adorable running from one end zone to the other, being careful to collect each and every hat ornament.

Additionally, Marion was an accomplished swimmer, having been taught by the late Robert P. "Pete" Griffin, FAMU's legendary track and swimming coach, at the FAMU/Jake Gaither Gymnasium Pool alongside many other youths. Subsequently, he became a swim instructor, himself, teaching swimming to several youngsters, from toddlers to adolescents.

Since Mrs. Hilliard was a member of the Tallahassee Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc.—a national civic organization that provides social, cultural and educational opportunities for African American children—throughout the years, Marion and his brother were active participants in the age-level groups. At age 13, he joined the Teens Group, which meant traveling to Southeastern Teen Regional Conferences each summer. During the five years he was in the Tallahassee Chapter's Teen Group, Marion travelled to Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi and Tennessee (Southeastern Region), participating in the chapter's award-winning skits and making life-long friends from other chapters in the Region.

Marion graduated from Florida High School in 1983. As a "Florida High Demon," he was a member of the Marching and Symphonic Bands as an exceptionally talented drummer.

He so enjoyed attending his alma mater's football and basketball games, and the dances and social events that followed.

For many years, Marion lived and worked in Atlanta, Georgia, where he started working in lawn maintenance and tree service. From pruning shrubs and bushes, to taking down large trees and branches, he was committed to his profession. More than a few times, Marion was called to rescue felines from the tops of trees, bringing relief and happiness to the cats' owners. He also was known to stop and help stranded motorists on the highways and byways because he knew there was assistance he could and should offer.

While in Atlanta, he reunited with high school classmate, the former Angela Michele Hilliard. The two were married in Lawrenceville, Georgia, on June 1, 2010, and have been constant companions for the past 14 years. They became loving parents to "fur babies" Nate and Drake—their beloved German Shepherds—who have since crossed the Rainbow Bridge to a place among the clouds. Upon moving back to Tallahassee, they started renovations on his childhood home, residing there during the process, and welcomed Kojo and Luna (also German Shepherds) to their family.

Marion never knew a stranger, believed in being kind and understood that sometimes, the best medicine was laughter. He would crack a joke, looking at you with those big, brown eyes and then break into roaring laughter that would fill the entire room. Marion brought so much joy and light to all who were fortunate to know and love him; he will be deeply missed.

Left to cherish Marion's memory are his loving and dedicated wife, Angela M. Herring-Hilliard, of Tallahassee; brother and sister-in-law, Michael (Carolyn) Hilliard, and niece and nephew, Brea Hilliard and Brandon Hilliard, all of Atlanta, GA; stepsons, James Holiday Jr., and Eugene Delton Williams (JoAnn), both of Tallahassee; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Morris and Virginia Herring, of Tallahassee; grandfather-in-law, Joseph "Daddy Joe" Williams, of Tallahassee; sister-in-law, Kim Herring Dickey, and nephew, Antoine Dickey, both of Tallahassee; brothers-in-law, Gregory Herring, of Denver, CO, and Wilbert Gene Watkins (Erlinda), of Tallahassee; their fur-baby German Shepards, Kojo and Luna; and many extended family members and friends.

Celebration of Life Service will be @ 11AM, SATURDAY, December 21, 2024
@ Bethel A.M.E. Church (501 West Orange Avenue; Tallahassee, FL 32310)

REPAST
At the Church following the service

At The Request of the FAMILY there will be
****ABSOLUTELY NO PHOTOGRAPHS OR VIDEOS WILL BE ALLOWED****

Resolutions and other correspondence may be sent to: contactus@gracefcs.com.
All attendees are encouraged to follow COVID -19 social distancing guidelines.