Hartsel F. Hilliard was born on February 2, 1943, in Weed, California. Later that year, his parents moved the family north to Seattle, Washington, where they first lived in West Seattle for a few years before settling in the Central District in 1945, which remained their lifelong family home. Hartsel was the third child born to Lamar and Argola (Smith) Hilliard.
An inquisitive child and avid collector of baseball and football cards, Hartsel attended Seattle public schools, including Stevens and Meany, before graduating from Garfield High School in 1961. He went on to the University of Washington, where he played football and earned his commission through the Army ROTC. Following graduation, he served with distinction as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, earning both the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star Medal for his exemplary service. Though he was accepted to the University of Washington Law School upon his return in 1971, Hartsel chose to embark on a new chapter, ultimately relocating to the East Coast.
After living in Washington, D.C., he settled in Miami, Florida, finding a lasting love for the sunshine that stood in sharp contrast to the Seattle rain of his youth. It was in Miami that he married Paulette, and together they welcomed two children, Stephen and Simone.
Hartsel enjoyed a fulfilling professional career as a pioneer in aviation. As one of the first Black commercial pilots in the United States, he was famously featured in Jet Magazine for his achievements at Eastern Airlines. Following his retirement from the airline after its dissolution in 1991, his passion for flight kept him active at Miami International Airport for several decades.
A devoted sports fan, Hartsel remained a loyal supporter of his hometown favorites, the UW Huskies and the Seattle Seahawks. He was also deeply engaged in politics, often spending hours watching CNN or reading the newspaper. He especially cherished it when his brother Barney mailed him physical copies of Seattle newspapers before they were available online. Known for his robust vocabulary and eloquent manner of speaking, Hartsel often brought smiles to the faces of his family and friends during their many conversations, of course, about sports and politics.
In 2023, as his health began to decline, Hartsel relocated to San Diego, California, to be closer to his children. A resilient soldier throughout his life, he successfully navigated back surgery, a stroke, and prostate cancer, showing the same strength in his later years that he had in the service. This move allowed him to cherish his final years playing with his two beloved grandchildren and the family dog, Bob.
Following a courageous battle with multiple myeloma, a cancer resulting from his exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, Hartsel went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 22, 2026.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Joseph, Sr., Billy, and Ray. He is survived by his children, Stephen (Svetlanna) and Simone; his grandchildren, Shakai and Stevie; his brother, Barney; his sister-in-law, Antonia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whom he loved dearly. A private military service was held at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, CA.
