Philip A. “Phil” Hilliard
Philip A. “Phil” Hilliard, 87, of Beaumont, died Monday, January 6, 2025. He was born on November 14, 1937, in Ranger to Edra Parks and Travis Hilliard.
Phil was born in Ranger, Texas and grew up in Olden, Texas. After High School, he joined the Army, serving proudly for three years. He married his childhood friend, Thelma Edwards, on September 5th, 1958, and this past year celebrated sixty-six years of marriage. After the Army, he received his BS from East Texas State University and his Masters of Education from Western New Mexico University. Phil and Thelma adopted three children over a six-year period and were blessed with four beautiful grandchildren. After twenty-one years of coaching, teaching and mentoring High School kids in Texas and New Mexico, they moved to Beaumont in 1984 and joined Trinity United Methodist Church. Phil taught adult Sunday School since 1968, starting at the age of 31. As he coached and traveled, he always taught a class at church. As a Certified Lay Speaker in the United Methodist Church, he taught the HAMACO class at Trinity for thirty-nine years until August 14th, 2023. On November 6, 2023, Phil and Thelma joined Wesley Methodist Church. Phil owned and managed National Foundation Repair Company in Beaumont and retired in 1995. In 1997, he began volunteering at the Stiles Maximum Security State Prison. Phil spent 19 years in prison ministry, working on Death Row at Terrell State Prison, conducted his own teaching and cell-to-cell ministries, and was a proud member of Kairos.
Survivors include his wife, Thelma Hilliard; children, Rob Hilliard and his wife, Debbie, of Dallas; Joey Hilliard and his wife, Shanoah, of Beaumont; Kristi Hilliard; and Bill Chalmers and his wife, Jackie, of Dickinson; brother, Jack Hilliard and his wife, Carolyn, of Arlington; grandchildren, Ryan Hilliard, Tanner Hilliard, Kylie Hilliard; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Phil is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carol Owen; and grandson, Austin Hilliard.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, Wesley Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77713, or Kairos Prison Ministry, 100 DeBary Plantation Boulevard, DeBary, Florida 32713.
A memorial service for Mr. Hilliard will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Wesley Methodist, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major, Beaumont.
Video
Memorial Service
Wesley Methodist Church
- 3810, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- January 11, 2025
- 2:00 pm
So hard to lose a friend of 75 years. Prayers for Thelma and family.
Phil and Thelma were and are friends of mine since we were 12 years old. Sandy and I got married a year before Phil and Thelma and we’ve visited and communicated continously long distance over the years. Phil’s mom and dad were like second parents to me. It’s hard to accept that he has been called to his final home.
Our prayers are for Thelma and family.
Phil was the finest example of a true disciple through his teachings and actions. His warm smile and infectious laugh will be greatly missed.
In the late 70s Coach Hilliard was our Varsity basketball ball coach in El Paso, and I was a student trainer. I would later connect back with him thru FB, as did many past students. I was amazed that he even remembered me, but he did and always had kind and encouraging words to us all. I will remember him for his love for his profession, gentle manner and the kindness he gave to students, faculty, and staff. My hearfelt love and appreciation go to his wife and family for sharing this wonderful teacher and friend with us all. Thank you God for teachers like this man.
Kelly M
Andress High School, El Paso
C/O 80
Very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to the Hilliard family.
Mr. Hilliard always had a warm, welcoming greeting for me & my family at church. His wife Thelma, son Joey & daughter-in-law Shanoah all have a special place in my heart. Condolences to the family.
Coach was always there when you needed him. After high school and one year at college, I was in the Navy and Jacksonville Florida on my way to San Diego. He was coaching in El Paso at the time and I stopped and visited him. He was so comfortable to see it was as if I was family. That’s how he made you feel. Over the last couple years. I called a few times just cause I needed to talk. He always knew exactly what to say and for that I’m grateful. Bless your family because they were blessed to have you.
🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼
As a high school student from 1974-78 and a band geek (not sports), I knew Coach Hilliard a little. I got to know him well through our Andress HS Facebook page over many years. What a blessing he is/was to all of us. He will continue to bless us for many more years through his words, advice, kindness, support and love he showed all of us.
Marvelous person…served his Lord Jesus in so many ways. We Know Where he is Now! God claims His own, praise God!
Great neighbors. Always friendly. Thelma, we grieve for your loss. Please let us know if we can help you in any way.
As a teacher and a coach, I know Phil helped influence and inspire many students to go on and do great things in life. You can never have enough mentors in your life like Phil. My condolences to the Hilliard family. -Dave Orvis
My husband and I volunteered with Mr. Hilliard at Stiles prison, he was a Godly man and such an encouragement to the inmates there. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.❤️🩹🙏
Phil was one of the finest men I have ever known. He will be missed by many. RIP my friend Phil.
An honorable man, a faithful friend, a testimony of Jesus Christ and a Bible teacher of many. George and I were so blessed to call Phil our friend and cherish our friendship with Thelma and their family. I will miss the lively conversations we had, but rejoice in his presence with the Lord and Austin. May God comfort you all.
An honorable man, a faithful friend, a testimony of Jesus Christ and a Bible teacher of many. George and I were so blessed to call Phil our friend and cherish our friendship with Thelma and their family. I will miss the lively conversations we had, but rejoice in his presence with the Lord and Austin. May God comfort you all.
Deepest condolences for your family @ Wesley Methodist Church
Phil was one of the best men I’ve ever known; he will be missed as much as he was loved. My heart and prayers go out to Thelma, Kristi, Rob, Joey and the entire family.
Sending my condolences to the Hilliard family🙏🙏🙏