NASHVILLE, TN (BNc) — Donnie Ray Hilliard, 64, went peacefully to be with the Lord on October 8, 2014. He was preceded in death by his father, Benedict Hilliard. He leaves behind his loving wife of 35 years, Sherrie (McFarlin) Hilliard; son, David Ray Hilliard; daughter, Sarah Roberts (Alan); grandson, Wells Ray Roberts; Mother, Sarah Grace McTaggart; brother, Barry Hilliard; sister, Carol (Hilliard) Cederdahl.
Donnie was born on July 23, 1950 and graduated from Richmond Academy in Augusta, Georgia in 1968. Donnie attended Alabama Christian College and completed his Bachelor’s degree at Alabama Christian School of Religion. He received a Master’s degree from Troy State University and earned his PhD in Family Studies at the University of Alabama in 1997.
Donnie has been a part time minister for the church of Christ and a full time professor at Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama where he taught Marriage & Family and Bible. He performed pre-marital counselling for over three hundred couples.
Books Donnie Hilliard has authored include “Upon that Rock I Stand,” “Magnificent Marriage,” and a workbook for college students, “Getting it Right the First Time.”
Donnie was an inspiration to all he met and had a loving and generous heart continually giving to other.
Services will be held Friday, October 17, 2014, at University Church of Christ in Montgomery, Alabama, at 2:00 pm. Entombment will be a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cloverdale Center for Family Strengths at Faulkner University, 5345 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, Alabama 36109. EASTLAND FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, NASHVILLE, TN (615) 227-9558
Donnie Hilliard was a kind and gentle soul. I worked with him when he was an Assistant Coach with Coach Willard Tate at Alabama Christian (1970-1971).
One of my favorite professors…. and people, at all. I was blessed to know him. –T