Douglas "Sonny Stokes" Cherry Hilliard, 53, of Tifton passed away Monday, January 7, 2002, at Mitchell County Hospital in Camilla. A graveside funeral service was held for Mr. Hilliard at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 11, 2002, at Oak Ridge Cemetery, where he was laid to rest. The Rev. Billy Sumner officiated.
Mr. Hilliard's nephews served as pallbearers.
Born June 13, 1948, in Telfair County, Mr. Hilliard was the son of Willie Leon Stokes of Eastman and the late Illa-Bea Taylor Stokes. He was employed as a repairman with Goddard Mobile Homes in Tifton; and he was of the Baptist faith.
In addition to his father, Mr. Hilliard is survived by his wife, Deborah "Debbie" Kirkland Hilliard of Tifton; one daughter, Samantha "Sam" Loree Hilliard of Tifton; and one brother, Marion Melvin Stokes of Eastman.