William James Hilton

Because of our earthly father”s love and compassion, we have the wonderful blessing of knowing the love and compassion of our heavenly Father.
William James Hilton passed away on June 19, 2007, at home with his family.
William James “Bill” Hilton was born Nov. 15, 1918, to William Richardson and Cora Cook Hilton in Ruston, La., where he grew up, attended schools,

and graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a bachelor”s degree in music.
He joined the Navy in 1942 and served with the 66th U.S. Naval Construction Battalion (Seabees) during World War II on Adak Island and in Okinawa. While on leave in 1945, he married Etta Ezell in Hayward, Calif.
Bill and Etta moved to Lockhart, Texas, in 1950, where he owned a soil conservation business until his retirement in 1978. He was active in the First Lockhart Baptist Church, where he applied his love of music as choir director and soloist for many years.
He is survived by Etta, his wife of 62 years, and four daughters: Nora Buswell and husband Rick of Missouri City, Nan Reeves and husband Harvey of San Angelo, Linda Hilton of Lockhart, and Melissa Hilton of Austin. He is also survived by sister Hazel Milam of Ruston; six grandchildren: Monica Irwin and husband Terry, Bradley Reeves and wife Meghan, Mandy Shirley, Ryan Reeves, Hillary and Audrey Buswell; and three great-grandchildren: Braden and Addison Irwin and Austin Shirley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Odell, and brothers Winston and Hayward.
A visitation will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 21, at McCurdy Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at Lockhart City Cemetery on Friday, June 22, at 10:30 a.m.
The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.-Proverbs 20:7