Blaine Evan Hilliard

Blaine Evan Hilliard, age 65, of Dallas, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Blaine was born in Dallas on July 29, 1960, to Bill and Peggy Hilliard and spent most of his life in the North Texas area, always surrounded by family and friends who loved him.

Blaine never met a stranger. He had a big heart, an adventurous spirit, and an endless curiosity about the world around him. After graduating from Bryan Adams High School, he worked alongside his brother Larry at Creative Casting, Inc. in Denison, Texas, where they crafted belt buckles, first responder badges, and other custom pieces. During that time, Blaine lived in his house on Lake Texoma, a place where he could enjoy two of his favorite things—being near the water and being near family.

In the mid-1990s Blaine moved back to Dallas, became a licensed electrician, and spent many years working at Cougar Electric, Inc. and L2 Electric, Inc. until his retirement in 2022.

Blaine married Marilyn Peace, and in 1996 they welcomed their beloved daughter, Chelsea Nicole Hilliard. Chelsea later married Chris Tyra, and together they brought Blaine’s pride and joy—his grandson Colt (affectionately called “the little butterball”)—into the world in February 2023. Being Colt’s “Dadaw” was one of Blaine’s greatest joys.

Blaine’s life was full of adventure, laughter, and love. He was the kind of man who would pull over to see the “biggest ball of yarn” or a quirky roadside monument, just to say he had been there. He loved scuba diving (earning the nickname “Scuba Steve”) and was always eager to learn something new. Blaine had a knack for sharing what he learned, earning him the affectionate nickname “The Professor.” Whether it was history, sports trivia, or random facts, he always had a story to tell or a lesson to share.

Blaine was also a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan. Some of his favorite memories were tailgating at Cowboys home games with his brother Larry and his brother-in-law Glenn Peace — good food, great company, and plenty of laughs.

Blaine had a deep love for the Lord and a strong faith that guided him throughout his life. He kept up with current events and was always ready for a thoughtful conversation about the news of the day or the issues that mattered most to his community. He was an active participant in local politics and cared deeply about making a difference.

And Blaine was nothing if not fun. He was rambunctious and loud with a laugh you could hear across the yard and a personality that filled every room he entered. He loved life big and out loud, and he brought that same energy to every porch chat, every road trip, and every family gathering.

At home, Blaine’s favorite place was his front porch, where he would “shoot the breeze” with neighbors, friends, and family. If you were lucky, you might catch him making the rounds on his scooter, or you’d be invited to one of his legendary front-yard cookouts—complete with burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, and Earl Campbell’s hot links. He loved fiercely, laughed often, and made everyone feel like part of his extended family.

Blaine is survived by his daughter Chelsea Tyra and her husband Chris; his grandson, Colt Tyra; many cousins, nephews, nieces, in-laws, neighbors, friends, and his beloved dogs, Chanel and Patron.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Billy Fred Hilliard and Peggy Jean Hill; his brothers, Larry Michael McGaffey and Brent Allison Hilliard; and his niece, Alexis Dawn Peace Harber.

A visitation for Blaine will be held Friday, October 17, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Grove Hill Funeral Home. A funeral service will occur Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Grove Hill, with a reception to follow from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The burial will take place Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM at Buckner Cemetery in Parker County, Lipan, TX 76462.

Blaine will be remembered for his faith, his warmth, his curiosity, and his gift for making everyone feel at home—whether you were family, a friend, or simply someone who crossed his path.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7