George "Ray" Hilton III passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at the age of 74. He was the beloved husband of Daphne Willoz Hilton for 49 years. Loving father of Staci Mechelle Hilton and Shellie Hilton Monk (Darrall). Son of the late George Hilton Jr. and Edith Godfrey Hilton. Son in law of the late Frank J. Willoz Sr. and I. Barbara Dufour Willoz. Brother of Darlene Babineaux. Brother in law of Frank J. Willoz Jr. and the late Glenn D. Willoz and Johnnie J. Babineaux. Proud grandfather of Evan Michael Powers, Avery Irene Monk and D. Brennan Monk Jr.
Ray was born on January 12, 1949 in New Orleans, LA and grew up in St. Bernard Parish. He moved to Kiln, MS. after Hurricane Katrina, but returned to his home in St. Bernard after he retired. His career was spent in the construction industry working with marble and stone where he retired as a project manager. He served his country with honor as a veteran of the US Navy where made eight patrols on the US Henry Clay in the submarine service.
He adored his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Ray was an active member of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church serving as a Eucharistic Minister. He was a former member of the Shieks of Arabi Camping Club, a member of AARP Chapter 5403, where he served as treasurer and a board member. Ray joined the Knights of Columbus in 1975 and was an active member of Archbishop Joseph F. Rummel Council 5747 for 45 years.
He served as Grand Knight, LA Crawfish Festival Chairman and District Deputy. He was a founding member of the St. Bernard Assembly of the Fourth Degree.
He enjoyed cooking for his family & friends and traveling with good friends. Ray leaves behind a legacy of joy, love for family and a dedication to his country and church. He will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of sharing his journey here on Earth.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2320 Paris Rd., Chalmette, LA on Monday, December 11, 2023 from 10:00 AM -12:00 PM. A Memorial Mass will begin at 12:00 PM. A celebration of his life will follow immediately at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2107 Paris Rd., Chalmette, LA. He will be laid to rest in a private graveside inurnment in Greenwood Cemetery, New Orleans, LA on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.
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