Henry Brilliant

September 23, 2010 at Plano Presbyterian Hospital.

Henry was the son of William Robert Brilliant, a founder of The Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas, and Jessie Okun Brilliant of New York City.

Henry attended Darrell Preparatory School and graduated from The Wharton School of Business with a degree in Mathematics at the age of 20. He then joined the Navy and was stationed with Admiral Carney’s staff in Naples, Italy. Upon returning to the states, he began his career as General Merchandise Manager with Macy’s New York. He was recruited by Earl Marcus to join Peyton-Marcus Department Stores in Oklahoma City in the late 1950’s. From there he moved to Dallas, Texas in 1962 founding Brilliant Sales in the Dallas Apparel Mart where he spent the next 29 years running a successful wholesale business. Henry developed a relationship with Stanley Marcus and the Neiman Marcus stores that lasted for almost 30 years. Always the entrepreneur, he ventured into the construction business in the early 1970’s building one of the first “high rise buildings” on the Dallas North Tollway.

Henry was also active in local politics. He was a past President of Big Brothers and was one of the original, founding members of the Prestonwood Baptist Church. He donated land that was later traded for the location of their first building on the corner of Hillcrest and Arapaho.

Henry’s love of thoroughbred horses lead him to his next adventure involving the world of racing. He was partners with Ed Norton and eventually Bob Mackey. Together they all enjoyed many years of racing and breeding horses.

Some of Henry’s last adventures allowed him to return to the construction business by partnering with Jim Archer from Spring Valley Construction Co. Their last building, The Texas Clinic at Prestonwood, was Henry’s pride and joy. He spent 3 years bringing this project to perfection.

Henry is preceded in death by his first wife, Retha Robertson Brilliant and is survived by his current wife, Janet Atkinson-Brilliant.

Some very special thanks go to Dr. William A. Calley and family, Dr. John Hughes, Dr. Taylor Long, Phil Wentworth, Pat Norton and the extended Norton/Cox/Fischer families, the Becker family, Jim Archer and family, Donald Steine and family, Dr. James S. Rellas and family, Dr. Terri Riggs and our many, many friends.

Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or a Charity of your choice.