Ernest Hilliard, 89, of Dunkirk, MD passed away June 2, 2013 at Prince George’s Hospital in Cheverly, MD. He was born January 9, 1924 in Bell, FL to Clarence and Lila (Philman) Hilliard. Ernest operated bulldozers on the road crew until enlisting in the United States Army on February 20, 1943 at Camp Blending, FL. He served as a cook in northern France and the Rhineland. He received the European, African, Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon, two bronze battle stars and the Good Conduct Medal. When back in the U.S., he met Clara Louise Suthard at a dance in the Washington, D.C. area. While he was recovering from an injury in Georgia, he sent Louise a train ticket to come visit him. They were then married in Buckhead, GA on February 2, 1945. Ernest was honorably discharged from the Army on September 19, 1945, and he and Clara moved to Hillside, MD. He was then employed as an auto mechanic at Willy’s of Washington. He later became the service manager and worked at several car dealerships over the years, and eventually worked for the federal government as a welder. He also served as a part-time sheriff’s deputy in the late sixties and early seventies. In 1947, Ernest and Louise had their first child, Brenda. Brenda grew up to marry Norman Mooney and give them five grandchildren, who in turn gave fifteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. In 1960, they had their son, David.
Throughout the years, Ernest enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family, especially cooking for them. Over the years he eventually got involved with David in the antique fire truck hobby. In 1984, he joined Orlean V.F.D. in Fauquier County, VA, where he helped with fundraising and cooking for dinners. Since 2001, he was also a member of the Hillside V.F.D. auxiliary and worked tirelessly to try to preserve that organization. Years ago he was very active in the Bradburn Methodist Church in District Heights, MD, providing the cooking for countless Easter sunrise breakfasts, Mother’s day dinners and other meals. In 1986, he moved his family to Dunkirk, MD and has resided on Chaney Road ever since.
Ernest was preceded in death by his wife, Louise in 2004 and his daughter, Brenda in 2002 and siblings Inez Osteen, Meva Lee Moratto, and Shirley and CL Hilliard.
He is survived by a son David E. Hilliard of Dunkirk and a son-in-law Norman Mooney and wife Gail of St. James City, FL. Also surviving are grandchildren, Norman Douglas Mooney, Jr. and wife Virginia of Dunkirk, Roger Matthew Mooney and wife Tina of Dunkirk, Philip Wayne Mooney and wife Amanda of Sunderland, Mark Andrew Mooney and wife Joy of Dunkirk and Beth Louise Herrin and husband JR of Owings; great-grandchildren Samantha Louise Mooney Ryan and husband Matthew of Sidney, OH, Norman Douglas Mooney III, Tyler Edward Railey, Emily Brook, Jessica Marie, Jacob Leroy Mooney, all of Dunkirk, Philip Richard Mooney of Sunderland, Roger “Matthew” Mooney, Jr. of Dunkirk, Cassandra Mildred Mooney of Sunderland, Madison Haley Mooney of Dunkirk, Kaitlyn Adele Mooney of Sunderland, Mark “Andrew” Mooney of Dunkirk, Olivia Grace and Elijah Richard Herrin, both of Owings; and great-great-grandchildren Matthew “Kyle” Ryan III and Savannah Louise Ryan, both of Sidney, OH.