Brandon Wade Hillard

Brandon Wade Hillard, 54, fulfilled his earthly assignment and ran into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, August 23, 2026, with his wife and children by his side, following a sudden and unexpected illness.

Brandon was born to Troy and Angie Hillard on July 23, 1972, in Enid, Oklahoma. He was the oldest of three siblings and ran the household from a young age. He is fondly remembered by his younger siblings as the best big brother and their best friend throughout every stage of their lives. He was a proud Tascosa Rebel.

Brandon met his wife, Brooke, in 1998, and they married on April 10, 1999, becoming a family of four. Brandon embraced his role as a father to Shelbie and Braden. Almost five years later, Bryce completed the Hillard family. Brandon was a devoted family man who loved his wife and children deeply.

Brandon was a hard worker and was not known to ever sit still. He dedicated the majority of his career to all things cranes. He began working at Panhandle Steel Erectors as a crane operator, where he subsequently advanced to Safety Director and Crane Operations Manager. Brandon was passionate about educating and protecting other crane operators. In 2022, he was presented with the opportunity to move to the Dallas-Fort Worth area as a crane salesman for MGX Equipment. Brandon loved his career, and his knowledge and passion for the crane industry were unmatched.

Brandon was a son, husband, father, and friend, but of all the titles he held, perhaps none was more meaningful than “Buddy”—the name given to him by his granddaughter, Sofia. Brandon loved Jesus, his family, cranes, and cooking.

If you knew Brandon, you knew he did everything BIG. If you had the pleasure of enjoying his cooking, it is something you will never forget. There was nothing Brandon couldn’t do or wouldn’t try. He shared his love and excitement for travel with his family. They have many fond memories of traveling according to the detailed itineraries he designed to maximize and make the most of every moment. They will cherish the many trips to Disney World, Mexico, lakes, hills, mountains, and anywhere else he had a whim to take them.

Brandon loved football, with a loyal allegiance to the Dallas Cowboys and Oklahoma Sooners. He was also known for creating an exceptional outing to see the Texas Rangers play. Experiencing a tailgate planned by Brandon Hillard—well, you had to be there to believe it!

Brandon is survived by his loving wife, Brooke, of 27 years; his children, Shelbie and husband Sean Moore, Braden Hillard, Bryce Hillard, and dog Ollie; his granddaughter, Sofia Moore; his mother, Angie Hillard; his siblings, Ryan Hillard and Lindsey and husband Ron Bradley; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Brandon was preceded in death by his father, Troy Hillard; his grandparents, Art and Polly Grice, Betty Jean Kiser Grice, and Troy Cleveland and Dorothy Hillard; and his aunt, Vickie Lovett.

Brandon had a larger-than-life personality, a “beautiful circle of friends,” and was always the life of the party. He never met a stranger, made everyone feel seen, loved hard, and was loved by so many. His family and friends will hold many precious memories in their hearts until they meet again.

The family will be accepting visitors at the private residence of 8200 Liberty Circle S., Amarillo, Texas 79119, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

A viewing will be held at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Brandon’s celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Hillside Christian Church West Campus. 

The family has opted for a private burial for Brandon prior to the celebration of life. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.