Technical Sergeant Rudolph Sidney Hilliard's Obituary
Mr. Rudolph Sidney Hilliard (Mr. Rudy), of Houston, TX, passed away on April12, 2019 at the age of 83.
Rudolph was born to parents Asa Grant Hilliard II and Lois O. Hilliard on May 28, 1935 in Bay City, TX. He grew up as the younger brother of Asa Grant III, and the eldest of four other siblings. He attended Manual High School in 1952. In 1953, Rudolph enlisted in the military, committing his service to the US Air Force; and was in active-duty during the end of the Korean War. Through his tenure with the Air Force, Rudolph earned a number of service awards and achievements, most notable being assigned to Strategic Air Command (2005th Comms Squadron) and winning the USAF Welterweight Boxing Championship in Ramstein AFB, Germany (1963).
While serving during the Vietnam War, he met and married Susan Elizabeth Hilliard (née Savery). Through their marriage, they had two children; Robey and Sabena Hilliard. The couple later separated, and officially divorced. Tech. Sergeant Rudolph Hilliard was discharged from the Air Force as honorably retired, separating from service in New Hampshire, and later relocating to Houston, TX in 1975. Rudolph briefly attended Texas Southern University while furthering his education, developing a passion for photography and quickly becoming known as the family “camera-man”.
In Houston, Rudolph settled into working as a factory laborer for Hughes Tool Co. Through mutual friends, Clifford and Janet Luddington, he met his second wife – Lana Hilliard (née Loyd). The couple married on May 28, 1980 making their roots in Southeast Houston and having one child, Hassan Hilliard. Rudolph ended his career with Hughes Tools Co. in 1984, and remained working as self-employed while raising his son; officially retiring in 2001. From 1976-2019, Rudolph has resided in South Park, Houston as an active member of the greater neighborhood community.
Rudolph is survived by his spouse Lana Hilliard; her son, Hassan Hilliard; his former spouse Susan Elizabeth Hilliard; her daughter Sabena Hilliard, and her son Robey Hilliard; his sisters Marilyn Faye Chipman and Gale Hilliard Goodwill; five grandchildren; and a host of additional family and friends. He is preceded in death by his sister Ruth Eloyce Hilliard Vinson Blevins; his brothers Dr. Asa Grant Hilliard III “Baffour Amankwatia, II”, Walter E. Williams, Reuther T. Johnson, Thomas O. Hilliard, PhD, and Clyde Hilliard; his parents, Asa Grant Hilliard II, Dr. Lois O. Hilliard Williams and stepmother Seretha E. Hilliard, PhD.
A memorial service will be available to the public at South Park Funeral Home, on April 27, 2019 between the hours of 10a-12p. This is a memorial service with a no viewing of the departed scheduled. The repass will be held on the property of 5750 Overdale St. Houston, Tx. All friends and family are invited to attend. The family is grateful for the condolences, flowers, and/or perishable donations.
What’s your fondest memory of Sergeant Rudolph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sergeant Rudolph?
Share a story where Sergeant Rudolph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sergeant Rudolph you’ll never forget.
How did Sergeant Rudolph make you smile?