Sidney H. Hilliard Jr.

SIDNEY HARGRAVES HILLIARD, 91, of Orlando, died August 14, 2010 at his home. Sid was born October 4, 1918 in Jacksonville, FL. Mr. Hilliard was a Captain in the United States Marine Corps. He joined the Marines on December 8, 1941 and served his country for thirty years. Sid was a decorated combat veteran of WWII, Korea and the Vietnam wars. He retired in 1971. Mr. Hilliard had many hobbies and interests, he loved music and played the organ everyday around 5 o’clock in the afternoon, and he still belonged to a bowling league and was an avid Gator fan. He enjoyed watching the Florida Gators play football so much that he always watched the games the second time on Sunday mornings. The love of Sid’s life was his wife, Miriam, whom he spent the last eight years with. They had a wonderful time together. They were always going on a cruise somewhere, even if it was just a weekend getaway. They danced every Tuesday night and played golf every week. Sid was overwhelmed by the size of Miriam’s family at first, but soon look forward to all the holiday gatherings, Miriam’s family numbers around 45 and Sid often said “this bunch just loves to have an excuse to party”!!! Sid loved everyone in Miriam’s family, from the very youngest to the oldest and Miriam’s family felt blessed to have Sid as part of their family also. But most of all it was the love that Sidney and Miriam shared that made their lives so complete. Survivors include his beloved wife, Miriam, better known as “Big Mama” or Mimi; children, Linda Reynolds, Sidney H. Hilliard III (Sonny) and Brenda McDonald; 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity. Family will receive friends at Woodlawn Funeral Home from 10-11 am, Monday, August 16. A Graveside service will follow at 11 am at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Condolences may be offered at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com. Arrangements entrusted to Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Gotha, 407-293-1361.