Hilliard Law Attorneys named to 2024 Super Lawyers Illinois Rising Stars List
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Shelley Hilliard
NOVEMBER 1, 1930 – MAY 7, 2012
Shelley Hilliard, attorney, proud Texas Aggie and fighter pilot, practiced law in Corpus Christi with his son, Bob Hilliard, for 15 years before his retirement.
Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy as a young man, Shelley made it through Air Force pilot training and two tours of duty (175 missions) in Vietnam. At the age of 37, when the Air Force told him his body was failing and gave him an honorable medical discharge, Shelley went to law school.
He served as county attorney in his hometown, Newton, Texas for over 20 years. When county commissioners refused to install an elevator in the courthouse to enable Shelley to get upstairs to the only courtroom, he sued and won. The elevator was nicknamed “Shelley’s Shaft.”
Shelley was a steadfast advocate for people with muscular dystrophy, which included his eldest son, Del, who succumbed to the disease in 2009. In honor of his dedication, the Texas Muscular Dystrophy Association presented the Personal Achievement Award to Shelley in 1992.
Delmar Shelley Hilliard, age 81, passed away on May 7, 2012. He was married to Bobbye Hilliard for 60 years.
