Burton Gilliam with daughter LeeAnn Gilliam Vise

If you’re headed to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Greenville Avenue Saturday, keep your eye out for the Grand Marshal with the Lake Highlands ties. Burton Gilliam, who starred in the unforgettable role of Lyle in the 1974 classic film Blazing Saddles, will lead the way.

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Gilliam’s daughter, LeeAnn Vise, works in the-building-formerly-known-as-the-freshman-center (LHHS’ H building), and his grandkids/her children attended LH schools. Weston danced as a Wildcat Wrangler before graduating in 2009, and Hollie attended Wallace until she headed off to WOGA (World Olympic Gymnastics Academy) to train with the country’s most elite coaches. Burton was often seen at LH schools over the years attending events in support of his loved ones.

The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. and more than 100,000 people are expected to attend. The route begins at Blackwell and ends at SMU Blvd.

Burton Gilliam at the wedding of granddaughter Hollie Vise Naddour