Buck was born on March 20, 1962, to Billy and Frances Hilliard in Denton Texas. He was the youngest brother of 7 brothers and sisters: Jimmy Hilliard of Springtown, Texas, Larry Hilliard of Petty Texas, Janice Brown (deceased) of Tyler, Texas, Brenda Holman of Gun Barrell City, Texas, Cindy Allen of Paris, Texas, and Shelly McCloud of Sumner, Texas.
He spent his early childhood in Denton, Texas before moving with his whole family to Paris, Texas. Buck attended Paris High School, graduating in 1980, but not before meeting the love of his life, Donna. Buck and Donna were married on June 7, 1980, and spent 44 years together, showing others how a marriage should be. Together they had 3 children, Brandy, Amber, and Misti. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Amber Nicole, his father, Billy Hilliard, his mother, Frances Hilliard, and a sister, Janice Brown. He is survived by his soul mate, Donna Hilliard, daughter, Brandy Hilliard of the home, daughter and son-in-law, Misti and Dustin Leonard of Eagletown, Oklahoma, granddaughter, Madison Gregg, grandson, Barrett Leonard, and 2 bonus grandchildren, Addison and Westin Leonard, and a host of friends, nieces, and nephews.
Buck started working at Merico at the age of 18 and worked there under the various bakeries, Earth Grains, Sara Lee, until he retired. Those he worked alongside for all those years became family. He truly cared about his work family and we have all come to love so many as our own.
Buck enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding his side by side and fourwheelers, and spending every waking moment spoiling and loving his grandchildren, Madison and Barrett. He loved his Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys, and loved to watch his grandson, Barrett, play baseball.
He loved a lot and with his whole heart, and was loved by a lot more. To know him was to love him. His loss will be felt by all who have crossed his path.
Services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with Bro. Danny White officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 5 – 7 p.m.
Casket bearers will be: Steve Cargisle, Brent Williams, Waylon Cherry, Foy Smith, Durrell Hamil, Steve Tuck, and Stephen Lawson. Honorary bearers will be: Dustin Leonard, Westin Leonard, Danny Roach, Bro. Danny White, Brad Hudson, Randy McLemore, Bruce Cole, Woody Perry, Justin Perry, Jacob Perry, Charles “Poppy” McLemore, Kenneth McCloud, Nick McCloud, Earl “Softball” Hardemon, and Brandon “T-Ball” Hardemon.
