Raymond Hilderbrand

Raymond Stanley Hilderbrand, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on Thanksgiving, a day that was always cherished by him and his wife, Doris, on November 28, 2024, at Somerby Memory Care in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. He was 88 years old. 

Born in Rochelle, Georgia, and raised in Douglasville, Georgia, Raymond graduated from Douglas County High School in 1955. Two years later, in 1957, he married the love of his life, Doris Conolly Smith. Together, they raised their family in Smyrna, Georgia, where they forged a life filled with love and laughter.

In 1992, Raymond and Doris built their dream home in Rockmart, Georgia, on land adjoining where their daughter and grandsons lived, creating a cherished family legacy. A dedicated employee, Raymond worked for AT&T for 38 years, earning the nickname "Tiny." He also served as the Northwest Georgia representative for CWA Local 3290 from 1982 to 1985 and was vice president from 1985 to 1993. 

Raymond was a generous spirit, donating 69 units of blood to the Red Cross throughout his life. He cherished attending his grandsons' football games, baseball games, and wrestling tournaments, as well as his granddaughter's softball games, plays, and recitals. A true lover of nature, he enjoyed family vacations in beautiful locations such as Lake Lure, Anna Maria Island, Allatoona Lake, Grassy Mountain, Jekyll Island, and his favorite, the Okefenokee Swamp. 

Raymond also relished yearly family reunions, monthly lunches with retired coworkers, and high school reunions. Known for his playful sense of humor, he loved pulling pranks and sharing laughter. He was always quick to lend a helping hand to family, friends, and those in need. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, E.O. Sr. and Clarice Hilderbrand; half-siblings Margie Rusk, Denby Hilderbrand, and Herbert Hilderbrand; sisters Sarah Carder and Clarice Theall; and his wife of 59 years, Doris Hilderbrand. 

Raymond is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth (Liz) Hilderbrand (Donnie Mall) of Freeport, FL, and Karen Brawner (Tim) of Rockmart, GA; son Robert Hilderbrand (Stephanie) of Dallas, GA; grandchildren Adam Seiz (Stephanie) of Pine Lake, GA, Charlie Seiz (Candace) of Cedartown, GA, Ben Hilderbrand (Mallory) of Cartersville, GA, Jake Hilderbrand of Cartersville, GA, Amanda June Brawner (Dan Adams) of Brighton Beach, UK, and Katelyn Young (Dylan) of Boydton, VA; great-grandchildren Wyatt Hilderbrand (Jake Hilderbrand), Lake Hilderbrand (Ben Hilderbrand), Hattie Hilderbrand (Ben Hilderbrand), Jestin Seiz (Charlie Seiz), Hadley Katelyn Landlord (Katelyn Young), and Henry Raymond Adams-Brawner (Amanda Brawner); his wife (since 2018) Wynnell Shows of Hoover, AL; and brothers William Hilderbrand of Powder Springs, GA, and E.O. Jr. Hilderbrand of Douglasville, GA.

Funeral services for Mr. Hilderbrand will be held Monday, December 9, 2024 at 10:00 am in the chapel of Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery of Atlanta, GA.

Pallbearers will include Adam Seiz, Charlie Seiz, Jestin Stanley Seiz, Tim Brawner, Katelyn Young, and Dylan Young.

 The family will receive friends Sunday, December 8, 2024 from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home.

Raymond Hilderbrand will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his generous spirit, and the joyful moments he shared with those he cherished. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Raymond Hilderbrand.