CLAYTON - Eugene W. Hilliard, of Clayton, son of the late William E. Hilliard and Lily May Hughes, passed on Friday, April 3, 2015 with his loving family by his side. Gene was a devoted son, brother, father, grandfather and friend to many. He spent many years taking care of those he loved by driving a truck and even having his own trucking business with his brother. He was the proud owner of the Clayton Tavern for nearly 34 years, until he recently sold the business and retired. He wanted to spend his golden years "fishing". He is survived by his daughter, Regina Potter and Leroy Coley of Smyrna and Michele and her husband Chris Gearhart of Dover; four grandchildren, Shawn Hilliard and his wife Kelly of Smyrna, Samantha Potter and her boyfriend James Monjon of Smyrna, and Emma and Jacob Gearhart of Dover; sister, Sue Newlin; and brother, Roy Newlin, both of Clayton. Gene was a member of the Smyrna/Clayton Moose, The Elks Lodge and the Sons of the American Legion. A viewing will be 11 a.m., Saturday, April 11, 2015 in the Faries Funeral Chapel, located at 29 S. Main St. in Smyrna. Funeral services will begin at 12 p.m.. Burial will follow in Sharon Hills Memorial Park in Dover. Instead of flowers the family recommends donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Association, 1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 310, White Plains, NY 10605, in hopes of finding a cure. Condolence letters may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com.