Wayne "Big Daddy" Hilliard

Nathan Wayne Hilliard, lovingly known as Wayne or "Big Daddy," passed away suddenly at his home on December 25, 2024. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, December 30, 2024, at Hedrick's Grove Reformed United Church of Christ with the Revs. Alex Nance and David Crook officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7pm Sunday, December 29, 2024, at Davidson Funeral Home in Lexington. 

Born on August 24, 1961, to Nathan Goodwin Hilliard and Marie Kepley Hilliard on a military base in Georgia, Wayne's early life included time spent in Germany and Hawaii during his father's military service. Wayne graduated from Lexington Senior High School in 1981 and found his calling in funeral service, beginning his career as an apprentice at Davidson Funeral Home in 1983. In 1985, he earned his licensure as a Funeral Director and Embalmer after graduating from Gupton-Jones Mortuary College. Over four decades of service, Wayne became a cornerstone of funeral care in Davidson County, known for his compassionate heart and tireless commitment to the families he served.

Wayne’s leadership extended beyond his role as Operations Manager at Davidson Funeral Home. He served as President of the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association in 2007 and represented the state on the National Funeral Directors Association Policy Board. More recently, he devoted himself to Cancer Services of Davidson County, further showcasing his servant's heart and dedication to his community. A man of faith, Wayne was a deeply involved member of Hedrick's Grove Reformed United Church of Christ, where he served on numerous committees and as President of the Consistory. He helped start the popular Saturday Breakfast fundraiser for the Men’s Brotherhood. His passion for service also shone through his involvement with the Central Carolina Civitan Club, the Masons (Lodge 473), and the Oasis Shriners. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Michael Todd Hilliard.

Beyond his professional and community endeavors, Wayne was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He found joy in his family and cherished the relationships he cultivated. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Lisa Biesecker Hilliard; his daughter, Maria Jane Hilliard, the light of his life, who he was endlessly proud of and supported in every way; and his close friends, Tony and Pansy Frank, who were like a brother and sister to him. His work family at Davidson and Piedmont Funeral Homes were family as well.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Services of Davidson County, 25 W. 6th Avenue, Lexington NC 27292, Hedricks Grove United Church of Christ, 3840 Allred Road, Lexington NC 27292 or to Shriners Children's Hospital, PO Box 947765, Atlanta GA 30394, an organization close to Wayne’s heart.

As Wayne carried forward the traditions of those who mentored him, may we honor his legacy by carrying forward what he instilled in us—service to others and the enduring importance of family first.