Kenneth Jackson “Jack” Hilliard, Jr., aged 85, died Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, NC, due to a rare neuromuscular disorder. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 6 – 8pm at Hanes-Lineberry Funeral Service, 515 N Elm St, Greensboro NC. A brief interment service will be Tuesday, April 22 at 1:00pm at Lakeview Memorial Park Mausoleum, 3600 N. O Henry Blvd (Hwy 29N).
Jack was born in Asheboro, NC, on Jan. 31, 1940, to the late Kenneth Jackson Hilliard, Sr. and Pauline Kirkman Hilliard. He was a devoted and attentive son to his mother, who lived to be 97, following the untimely death of his father in 1959 at age 47. He is survived by his wife of almost 35 years, Marla Stevens-Hilliard, and their feline children, Figgy, Lyrica, Bootsie Lou, Gray Bae Boy, and Phoenix. Jack “wasn’t sure” about cats, not having had many encounters with them. However, when Marla brought home an abandoned stray in December of 2000, “Sammy,” that all changed. Skepticism was soon replaced by devotion, and he became a loving papa to over 20 rescues adopted through the years.
Jack graduated from Asheboro High School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A proud 1963 graduate of UNC-CH, he maintained relationships with and supported the school throughout his life. He was a fan of UNC Sports, especially football, and devoted to the life and career of Charlie Justice, who often called him, “The one who always made me look good.” Jack and Marla (also a UNC-CH graduate) enjoyed attending annual Alumni Reunion graduation events, Alumni Association sponsored Lecture Series, athletic events, and other assorted activities. Jack also served as a Scout in the Army Reserves (guarding the gold at Ft. Knox) and completed his service in the NC National Guard. He and Marla were members of Bessemer United Methodist Church, where they were married, and Centenary United Methodist Church.
Jack worked in several roles for WFMY-TV in Greensboro for 42 ½ years, including Camera, Directing, and Producing, retiring in 2005. His last 15 years were spent producing “The Good Morning Show” with Lee Kinard. He was quiet and unpretentious, and many of his co-workers reported that he was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. He was a gifted writer, researcher and blogger, and interested in NC and UNC-CH History, several sports teams, (go (respectfully) Washington Commanders Redskins) and the US Space Program, attending many launches of Apollo and Shuttle rockets in Florida.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to an organization or charity of the donor’s choice. Gifts to animal rescue groups are especially appreciated. Online condolences may be offered at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.
