David Thomas Hilliard passed away on June 27, 2025. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. He graduated from Indian River High School in 2006. He enlisted in the US Navy at age 17 and entered right after high school. David served in the US Navy for almost a decade before working in cybersecurity and information technology before being medically retired.
David was always curious, even from childhood, with many questions and just as many ideas. He enjoyed all types of music and movies and played guitar. He was full of humor and wittiness, & enjoyed making others laugh. He was tender-hearted and perceptive, offering a shoulder to lean on and often insights to help others navigate challenging times. From an early age, David trusted in Jesus Christ, and throughout life’s many trials and struggles, this childlike faith remained. He never stopped believing.
He is survived by his sisters: Maurisa Hilliard (Rickey Wilson, Jr.) Angela Godfrey Mattison (Booker T.), Margarie Godfrey, Laverne Lambers (Tracy), Deidre Hilliard, and his brother Brian Brinkley (Ashanti); his uncles: Maurice Hilliard (Earline), Gus Blackwell (Shirley), and Samuel [Doc] Blackwell; 12 nieces and nephews, his great niece and nephew, best friends, and other beloved friends and family members.
Condolences(3)-
-
-
Melissa Pesce says
July 2, 2025 at 6:27 pmMy forever true love, David. I am so heartbroken without you, it’s hard for me to believe that you are gone even while typing this. I will always remember you and love you forever. We met Summer of 2013. I hope you are no longer in pain and hugging your parents in heaven. I will go visit that bridge in Maryland where you wanted to carve in our initials. You will forever always have my heart. I love you so much and I miss you everyday my love. Please always be with me and never leave.
Ben Schreiber says
July 5, 2025 at 7:09 amDavid wasn’t just a Navy buddy—he was my brother. We served together, laughed together, and had each other’s backs no matter what. From the wild nights in San Diego to the quiet check-ins week after week, he was the one I called when life got heavy—or when it got good.
Losing him is a gut punch I wasn’t ready for. I don’t know who to call now when something big happens. He leaves a hole that no one else can fill.
My prayers are with his family, and all my love goes out to everyone feeling this loss. Rest easy, brother. I’ll carry your memory everywhere I go.
Ben Schreiber says
July 5, 2025 at 7:09 amDavid wasn’t just a Navy buddy—he was my brother. We served together, laughed together, and had each other’s backs no matter what. From the wild nights in San Diego to the quiet check-ins week after week, he was the one I called when life got heavy—or when it got good.
Losing him is a gut punch I wasn’t ready for. I don’t know who to call now when something big happens. He leaves a hole that no one else can fill.
My prayers are with his family, and all my love goes out to everyone feeling this loss. Rest easy, brother. I’ll carry your memory everywhere I go.