Antonie Hilliard

Antonie (“Tony”) Hilliard, of Water Valley, Mississippi, just 42 years old, transitioned to Heaven unexpectedly on May 8, 2025. We are deeply saddened by his sudden and tragic death, but we are hopefully inspired by his full and rich legacy marked by love, joy, and all out adventure.

Tony was born on August 6, 1982, with a naturally sweet and kind soul, a heart of gold, a big smile, and a beautiful light that brought joy and laughter to every room. He went on to graduate with honors from Water Valley High School and Ole Miss University, and served proudly for 11 years in the United States Army where he served in Africa and Europe. Tony lived a life on mission. He was the first in his family to attend a university, the first to serve in the military, and the first to travel and live overseas.

Tony's life was an homage to Matthew 22:37-39, as he truly loved God and people. He was a proud, dedicated, and committed father, a military veteran, a community servant, a hard worker, and a loving son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, colleague, and friend.

Tony's love knew no bounds and spanned across the globe as we are joined here today by his friends and loved ones from Germany. He inspired all of us to love without limits, dream bigger dreams, explore the world, challenge ourselves, and accomplish goals beyond any perceived limitations.

Tony was known for his gregarious charm, smooth talk, and hilariously funny disposition. He was loved by everyone who knew him. He never met a stranger and loved spending time with people from all walks of life. He would regularly meet new people playing blackjack or poker (where he fashioned himself a semi-professional) and develop lifelong friendships and relationships that remain today. Tony's presence brought joy to everyone who knew him, and his loss leaves a void that can never be filled on this earth, but brings joy in his new home in Heaven.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl and Rosie Lee Hilliard, and his uncle, Peter Hilliard.

He will always be remembered with unending love by his heartbroken daughters, Aniyha Riddle and Avery Hilliard; his parents, Jimmy (Barbie) Wright and Richard Buford; his sisters, Lakasa Lester, Brittany Woods and Felecia (John) Devault; and hosts of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family and loved ones.

Tony was also greatly loved and will be greatly missed by the many friends he made while serving in the United States Army.

“You never said I’m leaving, you never said goodbye. You were gone before we knew it, and only God knew why. A million times we needed you, a million times we cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place that no one could ever fill. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God took you home.” Author Unknown