Roll Call Tribute

Stephen A. Lillard, IV 

September 1, 1946 - March 23, 2024 

Steve A. Lillard, IV passed away unexpectedly at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital, surrounded by his children, on March 23, 2024. He was 77.

Steve was born on September 1, 1946, in San Antonio, Texas, to Steve and Annette Lillard. After graduating from John Marshall High School in 1965, he went on to study architecture construction at Texas A&M University. He earned an engineering degree in 1970.

A year later, Steve married Velma (Dorsey) Lillard of Kilgore. They were married for 35 years and had three children and eight grandchildren.

Steve was an athlete who excelled in many sports, including: wrestling, weightlifting, track, baseball, and pool. He lettered two years in weightlifting at A&M and was offered a contract with the Torros, a semi-professional baseball team, a few years after graduation. Known as a homerun hitter, Steve, a left-hander, was often asked to bat right-handed to keep the ball from going over the fence.

Steve followed in his father’s footsteps and became an award-winning salesman in the meat-packing industry. He was well-liked and formed strong relationships with his customers in San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley, many of whom would change vendors so they could continue working with Steve throughout his career.

He rarely slowed down, especially after retirement. He utilized his engineering degree to design and build porches, fences, sheds, and driveways on his properties. There was always a project to be done. When he wasn’t working on his land, he was usually behind the grill making brisket and burgers for his family and friends.

He was survived by his former wife Velma Lillard and their children: Karen (John) Inglis, David (Jessica) Lillard, and Diana (Ricardo) Solis; his grandchildren: Jacob and Zachary Inglis, Josiah, Jordan, and Elijah Lillard, and Nicolas, Dominic, and Antonio Solis; his sister Dorothy (John) De La Garza and brothers Dr. George Terrell (Diane) Lillard and Tom (Melanie) Lillard; and numerous loved ones.