Georgetown: Attorney John McCarten Hilliard III was born on April 14, 1953, in Georgetown, South Carolina. He was the only child of Jack and Jackie Hilliard, who doted on him and encouraged him at every step. He attended school in Georgetown, and was a graduate of Winyah Academy. After winning a National Merit Scholarship, he attended Wofford College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts and Philosophy degree. John worked in a butcher's shop, Old Timey Meat Market, during college, and was an expert at steak selection. He often mentioned that time. He then went on to attend the University of South Carolina, where he received his law degree. After graduation from USC in May of 1980, he accepted a position as a law clerk to the Honorable Marion H. "Son" Kinon (deceased), at-large Circuit judge for the state of South Carolina. After serving as a law clerk, he accepted a position as assistant solicitor (prosecutor) in the 15th Judicial Circuit of Horry and Georgetown Counties, working under Solicitor James Dunn. His initial responsibilities included prosecuting all charged juveniles, representing the department of social services in all child abuse/neglect cases, and some magistrate court and general session circuit court prosecutions. On some occasions, he represented the county or city governments in actions regarding nuisance and various license revocation as part of ongoing drug interdiction and safety work. A multitude of experience was gained under the tutelage of the late Jim Dunn, who was not only a mentor, but a close friend. John was part of the prosecution team that saw to the conviction of Rusty Woomer. In 1991, Mr. Hilliard was the first lawyer from South Carolina to become board certified in criminal trial law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. During Solicitor Ralph Wilson's tenure, John took the opportunity to expand his interest in advocacy of victim rights. He spoke at trainings for magistrate judges, police officers, prosecutors, and victim advocates in the areas of domestic violence and sexual assault. Mr. Hilliard also spoke on many occasions to classes of individuals such as those seeking licensing as therapists, on the topic of testifying as an expert witness. In 1997, he received the Silver Scales of Justice from the South Carolina victim assistance network. Attorney Hilliard was recognized by the South Carolina House Representatives on behalf of victims of crime. John was a founding member of the Horry Georgetown Rape Crisis Center, the first of its kind in South Carolina. Because of a law that he wrote, victims of spousal abuse do not have to testify in open court. He also worked on the stalking laws for the state of South Carolina which have been adopted by states all over the country. In 2007, Attorney Hilliard was given the opportunity to be the first lawyer from South Carolina to attend the three weeks session of Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College in Dubois, Wyoming. This opportunity turned out to be a unique and life changing experience. While at the trial lawyer college, he had the opportunity to live with and work with some of what he believed to be the finest lawyers in the nation. The vast majority of the people he represented were in a time of crisis when he met them; he recognized that most of them were asking him to enter their lives and take over responsibility for the most important thing happening in their life at that time. This is a responsibility which Attorney Hilliard did not undertake lightly. Recently he'd been working as a correspondent for CourtTV, and he loved lending his voice of experience to current cases across the country. He is survived by his wife Bonnie, who was his best friend. They met as children, when he lived across the street, and then again as adults. Their relationship was an example to everyone who encountered them, always guided by love, patience, and humor. They were blessed with two beloved daughters, Haven Hilliard Jacobs (Jonathon) of Hanahan, and Eliza Hilliard, mother to his grandchildren Stella "Superstar" Maris and John Winston "Boy Genius" Fettermann, all of Georgetown. Also missing him are his dogs, Zelda Louise and Scout "Scooter "Hilliard. There are so many surviving cousins who were like siblings, nieces and nephews who were like children to him. He loved his extended family so much. His staff at Hilliard Law Firm was always a family to him. He mentored a multitude of new attorneys, employed an extensive staff, and was loved by all who were lucky enough to learn from him. His legacy will live on through their continued work. To the legal community at large, he was a valued member of their family, too numerous to name individually. He touched countless lives and will forever be missed because of the care and attention he gave every single day of his life. John loved Georgetown and Georgetown loved him. He is predeceased by his parents, John "Jack" M. Hilliard, Jr, husband of Jackie. His father and mother in law, Winston O. and Bonnie Altman, also a nephew, Winston "Winkie" O. Miller. Two beloved dogs, Muppet and Stump Hilliard, and a horse named Rocket. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 21, 2021, 2 pm at Winyah Auditorium, 1200 Highmarket St., Georgetown. Donations made in memory of John should be sent to Horry and Georgetown County Rape Crisis, www.victimtosurvivor.org PO Box 613, Myrtle Beach, SC 29578. Sign a guest book at www.mayerfuneralhome.com The Georgetown Chapel of Mayer Funeral Home is assisting the family.