These photos capture the solemn beauty of the military honors bestowed upon Luther Ray Hilliard, a cherished active duty and dedicated United States Air Force. Each salute, each flag-fold, and each moment of reverence represents the profound gratitude we hold for his service and sacrifice. These memories will forever inspire us to honor his legacy and the values he stood for. Rest in peace, dear Luther, your courage will always be remembered.

Paw Paw

Let me start by saying it was a blessing to be in the presence of a man of your caliber. You were one of strongest men I know. You were strong minded and stern. You also had a big heart. At a young age you instilled a foundation within me and my brother that every young boy should inherit. Till this day it still blows my mind how you could calculate horse races , and place bets , from the data attained from prior races. You showed me several times your algorithm and I would nod like I understood. It was truly over my head lol . You were a man with passion that was impeccable for the beliefs you felt strongly about. It still doesn’t feel real that you’re gone. Although I won’t be able to sit down with you and absorb your wisdom anymore . I find comfort in knowing I’ll have a soldier of God in the heavens looking over me. You will truly be missed Paw Paw Luther . Me , Tamara and your great grandkids love you . We miss you and you’ll always be embedded in our hearts . 

Your Grandson Darrel 👏🏾

This is hard one for me. I will miss all of our conversations n comparisons of our path in life as well as your advice on life as well as betting. I will continue to go down the path to keeping your name alive and Great. You will be loved and missed 

Luther R. Hilliard III

Mom,
May God go before you and make the rough roads smooth. May his joy be your strength and his peace fill your heart.

Love,
Ree
#EverYoung

Grandma Betty 
Please accept our deepest condolences during this incredibly challenging time.   Remember to take hours, minutes and/or seconds to focus on the memories which will be everlasting.  Even though we are miles always we are always here to provide you with love and support  .  

Love ,

Chazika, John 3rd, Johnathan Sr and our family 

#4EverYoung

Well grandpa reality has hit me. I'm sorry for sounding selfish but grandpa I just wanted a little more time with you 😔  I'm going to miss you , I'm going to miss our conversations and laughs. I'm trying to find the words because I haven't process or accept everything especially with you not physically being here. If it wasn't for God & you I'll probably still be scared and holding myself back from my full potential/career. 


 Thank you Pawpaw for all the laughs, advice , scriptures and memories.... I LOVE YOU& MISS YOU ❤️

Ms.Betty & grandpa had made some amazing gumbo with Stuffed bell peppers, for my friends and me.. Baby we were so full ,I couldn't keep my eyes open when grandpa was talking to us. Ya'll know grandpa can talk 🤣🤭

October 2014 was a challenging year for me, I was going through changes as well as a healing journey. I went to New Orleans because needed some advice and guidance from grandpa. We talked for hours but it was a much needed conversation. I was holding myself back and didn't even notice it . He helped me understand that change is uncomfortable but necessary. Grandpa always gave me some great advice not only that he gave me a safe space to express myself and comfort me when I felt alone or confuse. He gave me a scripture on that day  and this scripture will forever stay with me 

scripture: Ephesians 3:20. 
What I received from that scripture was....

There will always be trials and tribulations in life, but God will carry you through every storm in your life. And give you strength to make it, even when you feel like you can’t. 🤍

One of my best memories ♥️
Thank you Grandpa for your conversations, jokes/laughter and memories

Dearest Betty,

I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your beloved husband, Luther. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this incredibly challenging time. 

As you navigate through this difficult journey of grief, may you find solace in the beautiful memories you shared together. Remember the laughter, the love, and the special moments that will forever remain in your heart.

Know that you are not alone in your sorrow. Your family and friends are here to provide you with the love, support, and strength you need to heal. Lean on us whenever you feel overwhelmed, and we will be there to lift you up.

Please take care of yourself during this time of mourning. Allow yourself to grieve in your own way and know that it's okay to seek comfort and support when you need it most.

May the love and cherished memories you shared with your husband bring you some measure of peace and comfort in the days ahead. You are in my thoughts and prayers, and I am here for you, always.

With heartfelt sympathy,
Wade

Although our relationship may have begun through different paths, the love and bond we shared as a family were genuine and deep. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Luther, who brought so much joy and warmth into our lives.

While we may not have shared the same blood, the love and memories we created together were just as strong and meaningful. We will always cherish the moments we spent together, the laughter we shared, and the love that connected us as a family.

Though you may no longer be with us physically, your spirit will forever live on in our hearts and memories.  

You will be truly missed.
Terry and Debbie

Losing you has left an imaginable void in my heart and life. Your presence brought so much joy, love, and warmth into my world, and the memories we shared will forever be etched in my soul. Although you may no longer be by my side, your love will continue to guide and comfort me through each passing day. 

Your absence is deeply felt, yet I find solace in knowing that our bond transcends physical existence. I will hold onto the beautiful moments we shared, the laughter we enjoyed, and the love that defined our relationship. You were not just my spouse, but my confidant, my partner, and my greatest source of strength.

As I navigate this journey of grief, I find support of those around me. Thank you for being my rock, my light, and my everything. Your love will forever remain the beacon that guides me through life's darkest moments.

Until we meet again, my love will continue to burn brightly for you, my precious Luther.

With all my love,
Betty

My prayers are with my long time friend and sister Betty in the loss of her husband Luther!  I am grateful to God for being relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana in November 1997 from Bettendorf, Iowa and  the friendship of meeting Betty, Luther, Terry and Debbie!  May the Lord continue to bless you as you cherish the memories you had with Luther that can never be erased!  

Love from Ednora Armour-Ohanmu, North Las Vegas, Nevada

A Salute to the one and only, Luther Ray Hilliard Senior. An esteemed Armed Services Veteran (US Army and US Air Force), he left behind a legacy that will forever be cherished. Luther was a man of profound wisdom and unwavering integrity, instilling in all of his children (and step-children) the values of being great ladies and gentlemen, and the importance of harnessing one's mind to its fullest potential.

Throughout his life, Luther exemplified dedication to learning and growth, always encouraging the exercise of the mind and embracing the teachings of God's word from the Bible. He not only served his country with HONOR but also thrived in the civilian world, embodying the values of hard work, resilience, and compassion. This is a testament to his profound guidance and boundless love.

Those who were privileged to be around Luther easily found themselves influenced by his teachings, which will be carried forward with pride, honoring Luther's remarkable legacy in both military and civilian spheres. As Luther rests with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, his family joins in SALUTING a remarkable man who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

Rest in peace, Luther Ray Hilliard Senior. Your love, guidance, and legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

This was the first time I met my grandpa. I remember picking him up at the airport. My uncle described to me what he looked like And I just jumped in the car to get him. I saw a man talking to another man and making him laugh. I pulled up and I thought to myself that’s gotta be my grandpa. I immediately jumped out and started crying and hugging him. He was like “wait a minute who are you?” I said I’m so sorry I’m your granddaughter. It was too funny but one of the best memories I have. I knew that had to be him cause us Hilliard’s definitely talkers lol!

OBITUARY

Luther Ray Hilliard, Sr.

February 19, 1931 – March 15, 2024

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services