Charles D. Hilliard

Charles (Sam) was born September 15, 1930 in Fulton, Mississippi and departed this life on January 13, 2026 in Carrollton Texas. 

He served in the Army during the Korean War. Sam lived in Farmers Branch Texas for over 70 years and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Farmers Branch. He loved God, his family, friends and country. Sam joined the Farmers Branch Fire Department in September 1966 where he served as a paramedic, firefighter and as a driver until his retirement in January 1992. He was a loyal, dedicated, caring and proud brother of the Farmers Branch Fire Department for 25 years. The fire station was his 2nd home and his fellow firefighters were and still are his second family. He also had his own heating and air conditioning business for 30 years. 

Fishing for crappie, bass or salmon was a favorite pastime for Sam as well as traveling throughout the country with his RV after retirement. Sam and his brother AJ enjoyed going to the Farmers Branch Senior Center for exercise, to socialize and to dance. Sam is survived by his daughter Sherry Gwen Smirl, a very special niece Sandy Burkhart and her husband Bo. Sam is also survived by his grandchildren Ashley Gwen and Richard Norton and Dusty and Andie Smirl. Four great grandchildren Creagan and Laken Gwen Norton and Gunter and Beau Smirl. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who will remember him as Uncle Sam. He is preceded in death by his beautiful and loving wife Gwen and a beloved son Michael; his parents Addison and Effie Hilliard; siblings Q.R. Hilliard, Ruth Bennett, Lois Young, Franz Hilliard, June Priddy and A.J. Hilliard.

Pallbearers: Dusty Smirl, David Zettler, Barry Young, Bryan Townsend, Shane Burkhart, Bo Burkhart.(honorary pallbearer)

A Graveside Service at ‘Holy Family’ section at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas will be held, on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital stjude.org

Dentonfreedomhouse.org